Are you an authentic leader?

Recently I was asked to provide leadership consulting and coaching to a family-owned business. The current owner/CEO was structuring a succession plan to include his two nephews. These cousins, who are now in their late 30s, had grown up very close and expressed great affection and respect for one another. In fact, they had been college roommates and were in each other's weddings.

However recently whenever leadership decisions needed to be made regarding the company, they were at odds with each other. Their viewpoints were often diametrically opposed to one another, and discussions frequently got heated. Both of them expressed concern over the other's perspective and behavior. Additionally, their differences at work were negatively impacting their personal relationships.

When I met with each one of them to assess the situation it became obvious that in spite of growing up together they emerged as adults with different values and priorities. One cousin was more of a “prosperity thinker.” He felt a sense of optimism about everything working out in life. He was comfortable spending money and wasn't concerned about what he considered the “little details.” He was seeking work/life balance and believed that cost to achieve pleasure in his life was worth it.