Page 25 - FINAT Yearbook 2014

4. Innovation
Family owned businesses have a strong history of innovation and they continue to look for new ways to solve business problems and offer new solutions. This innovation is balanced with the more thoughtful, planned pace of growth that is also part of the family business culture. After leaving his previous company, François spent two years developing Cohesio technology. This development led to the formation of ETI, which has continually evolved and grown under his leadership.
5. The Right Person for the Right Job
While family is obviously an important part of the business, family members aren’t the only people who hold leadership positions. Key roles – whether for family members or people outside the business - are given to individuals based on their own skills and accomplishments.
“What future role the children will play in the business remains to be seen,” says Thomas. “What is being done now must be proven.”
6. Openness to Change
With generations working side-by-side, there is a known culture of change which is a part of these organisations. Having an openness to change and embracing what comes next makes both generations – and the business – successful.
“Our family business Lejeune Management and FINAT have a 40 year history of working together, so this generation story is especially close to my heart,” says Jules Lejeune.
This is an extract of the article that was published by FINAT in November 2013. To read the full story, go to the press section of the FINAT website: www.finat.com/press-room.
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FINAT YEARBOOK 2014 |