The Top 5 Books on Family Business after a decade of reading

I am a life long learner and have developed a habit of buying every book available when it comes to my chosen topic of interest. This is especially true as I worked hard to navigate my own succession plan within our family business.

As I reflect back on the most impactful books on this journey I thought I would save YOU some time by sharing some of the best.

1. Borrowed from Your Grand Children by Dennis T. Jaffe

Dennis Jaffe is a legend in the Family Business Space and I was lucky enough to hear him share research on this book as well as have lunch with him at the 2023 Family Business Magazine Transitions Event. This book does a great job highlighting universal themes and characteristics around family businesses from over 20 countries that have lasted over 100 years. He presents real life stories through interviews and research to define some of the successes and failures of prominent families around the world.

2. Generation to Generation: Life Cycles of the Family Business by Kelin Gersick, John Davis, Marion Hampton and Ivan Lansberg.

This happened to be one of the first books I read and still remains one of the best. With another. lineup of great authors the book highlights many of the classic challenges of multi-generational family businesses at various stages. The book provides several examples in story form of what the business may mean to various stakeholders and how that may present problems as it changes. This is a great general introduction for those wanting to educate themselves as they enter a family business.

3. The Little Red Book of Family Business by David Bork

   
   

This is one of my favorites. Short and sweet and to the point. David draws upon his decades of experience as a consultant and boils all of his experiences and observations into this tiny red book. You can read it in an hour but it is packed with all the information that many of the large books spend too many pages and time trying to explain. This one is handy for anyone involved in family business.

4. The Family Business Handbook by Josh Baron and Rob Lachenaur

Yep its a handbook and written that way. This one is great to refer to if you are dealing with a specific topic. No need to read it cover to cover but it has a great deal of information in simple form. Drawing upon their experience in family business consulting the authors give practical advice on communication, succession, conflict and building good governance.

5. Secrets to Succession by Gerard Gust

A story and lessons from someone that has been there and done that - the best kind. This is a personal story about father and son leading and working together to transition the business and all the dynamics and emotions that come with it.

There are many good ones out there! Reach out if you are looking for a specific topic additional recommendations who knows maybe I will send you a copy!

Honorable Mention:

Deconstructing Conflict: Understanding Family Business: Shared Wealth and Power - Baumoel, D. & Tripp, B.

Family Wars: Stories and Insights from Famous Family Business Feuds - Gordon, G & Nicholson, N

Undefeated. The True Story of How the Family-Owned Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry Service Survived and Advanced through Three Generations - Beach, J & Steele, D.

Keep the Family Baggage Out of the Family Business: Avoiding the Seven Deadly Sins That Destroy Family Businesses - Fleming, Q

Happy Reading!

Family Business Books