Introduction The Value if Family Meeting Unfounded Fears PART I: TEN BENEFITS OF EFFECTIVE FAMILY MEETINGS Building a Stronger Family Building a Stronger Business Planning for Future Ownership Planning Family Participation Managing Inherited Wealth Opening Up the Succession Process Preserving Family Tradition and History Professionalizing the Business Managing Relations between Family and Board of Directors Recognizing and Resolving Conflict PART II: HOW TO HOLD EFFECTIVE MEETINGS Overcoming Misconceptions and Fears When is the Right Time? Who Should Run the Meeting? The Agenda, Location Whom Do We Invite Openers Icebreakers Documenting the Meeting Closing the Meeting Running Ongoing Meetings Family Retreats Communication Organization How Issues Change as the Business Evolves Forming a Family Council Role and Rituals and Ceremonies Avoiding Pitfalls PART III: SOME MILESTONES REACHED THROUGH FAMILY MEETINGS Planning the Future of the Business Smoothing Ownership Succession Encouraging Family Members in Stewardship Developing Family Skills Creating a Family Mission Statement Summary Index