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Family Business: Legacy through Leadership
Legacy Through Leadership was the major theme at a recent conference of family business owners hosted by Atlanta based Family Business Institute and their Internet organization Family Business Experts.
(PRWEB) January 12, 2004 --Legacy Through Leadership was the major theme for a conference of family businesses hosted by the Atlanta based Family Business Institute and their Internet organization Family Business Experts.
"What is meant by Legacy Through Leadership" was the initial question posed by family business leadership expert, Kenneth Mackenzie Ph.D., a consultant with the Family Business Institute.
Professor Mackenzie continued, "When I speak of leadership I mean more than the usual traits and skills such as honesty, courage, and expertise. These qualities are always important. But, traits and skills must be supported by leadership practices to be effective. The leadership of an organization must always confront change, threats, and opportunities. How it meets these will determine its success. Pursuing and instilling effective leadership practices throughout an organization in order to master change is the only real, sustaining legacy. That's why we view legacy through leadership as the main challenge facing family controlled businesses.
When asked to define "Leadership Practices" Professor Mackenzie stated "Leadership practices are the management systems that control short term and long run success. Leadership practices are organization-wide processes for adapting to change. They are called leadership practices because the organization's leaders are responsible for their proper operation.
Leadership practices are the practical translation of good intentions into meaningful actions. Leadership practices require patience and persistence if one is to convert one's intentions into effective action. It helps but it is not enough for the senior members of the firm engage in leadership practices. It is also necessary for these leadership practices to be deployed throughout the organization in each unit and at all levels.
Family Business Institute founder Don Schwerzler indicated that the research conducted by Dr. Mackenzie suggests there are 29 critical Leadership Practices found in successful businesses. More information on these important Leadership Practices can be obtained by sending an e-mail to info@family-business-experts.com
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