Hi Sara,
With the holidays coming up, our family’s dealership and the state of the business seem to sneak into every gathering. How do you balance family time with business talk during the holidays?
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Oh, the joys of family business and holiday gatherings! If you’re part of a family-run business, you know how quickly a Thanksgiving dinner can turn into a board meeting. I get it — my dad started Bob Clements International over 40 years ago, and growing up in a small business, I’ve had plenty of “business over holiday” conversations myself. But here’s the thing: with a few key strategies, you can keep those holiday gatherings joyful and handle business matters in a way that doesn’t steal the family time.
Here are three things we do during the holidays to keep family at the center of our gatherings.
- Family Business Is Hard (But So Worth It)
Let’s get real: working with family is tough. There are highs, and there are days when it feels gut-wrenching hard. But here’s the silver lining: when you come out the other side of those tough days, you’ve got a support system that’s second to none. To keep the lines of communication open (and less intense over the holidays), my family has a tradition of setting up regular meetings away from the office — like breakfast or lunch — to talk openly about business matters.
This way, when we’re together for the holidays, we can focus on catching up, not catching each other up on the latest business fire! My advice? Make a commitment to meet regularly outside of the family gatherings to tackle the business talk. It gives everyone a break, and you’ll enjoy the holiday time a lot more.
- The Clearer the Boundaries, the Lower the Frustration
Now, this one’s a game-changer: clear boundaries. Over the years, I’ve learned that the clearer we are on separating work from family, the smoother things run. For example, when I’m at work, I call my parents by their first names (yep, not “Mom” or “Dad”). It might sound funny, but it keeps the emotional side of family relationships out of business conversations, helping everyone treat each other as professionals. But don’t worry — around the Christmas tree, they’re still “Mom” and “Dad,” and we’re just family. It’s all about knowing when to switch gears and focus on the people who matter most, not just the business.
- Remember, the Next Generation Is Watching
Here’s an important reminder, especially during the holidays: the next generation is paying close attention. They’re picking up on how you talk about and engage with the business, even in the middle of family gatherings. If they see the business as something that pulls you away from quality time or adds stress, they’ll remember that. But if they see it as something that unifies and strengthens your family, that positive impression will stick with them.
Setting healthy boundaries and keeping business talk constructive doesn’t just make the holidays more enjoyable now — it shapes how the next generation views the family business in the future. If they hear conversations that highlight the pride, growth, and goals the business brings to the family, they’re more likely to see it as something meaningful and exciting, not just a job. So, remember that each holiday is a chance to pass on a legacy, one that’s built on family unity, shared values, and a positive outlook on what you’re building together.
In the end, family business isn’t for the faint of heart, but when done right, it’s worth every bit of effort. With open communication, clear boundaries, and a mindful approach to holiday conversations, you’ll be able to celebrate the season without letting business take center stage. Here’s to a holiday filled with love, laughter, and just the right amount of shop talk! May your time together be as joyful as it is meaningful, building memories that remind everyone why family comes first.
If you want more information on how we handle our family business and how other dealerships are doing a great job with the balance, contact us at info@bobclements.com.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sara Hey
