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The stockings are hung, the cookies are baked, and your family is gathering for the holidays. While visions of sugar plums might be dancing in some people's heads, you might be thinking about something more substantial - the future of your family farm, ranch, or business. Just as we carefully plan holiday celebrations, planning for your family’s future requires thoughtfulness, care, and the right timing. We know better than anyone in Kansas how a families succession plan can make or sadly sometimes break a legacy of a Kansas Family Farm.
As winter settles in and the pace slows for many farmers, ranchers, and family-operated businesses in Kansas, we find ourselves having meaningful conversations with our clients about the next stage of their lives and operations. It’s a time when families reflect on the future, and common questions arise, like, “How can I ensure my farm’s legacy is preserved?” or “What’s the best way to divide responsibilities among my children?” However, a newer question has caught our attention recently: “How do I even start this conversation with my family?” With three or even four generations now working together on many farms and ranches, the potential for miscommunication—or worse, decisions being made too late—can create chaos. When this question started coming up, we knew it was time to share some insights on how to approach succession planning and move forward in a way that brings clarity and peace to your family’s legacy.
Setting the Scene
Just as you wouldn't buy a Christmas tree without carefully checking its shape and size, choosing when to discuss succession planning requires thoughtful consideration. Morning coffee time often works best – the day is fresh, minds are clear, and the usual distractions haven't yet taken hold. Plus, there's something about holding a warm cup of coffee that tends to make conversations feel more relaxed and natural. Look for moments when people are settled but not rushed, perhaps during that peaceful lull between breakfast and the day's activities.
The kitchen table might be where your family has gathered for decades of decisions, but it can also carry heavy emotional weight. When parents sit in their usual spots, it's easy to fall into old family dynamics where Mom and Dad are the authority figures and adult children automatically defer to their judgment. Consider the living room instead with its comfortable seating arranged in a circle, or a local coffee shop where everyone feels more like equals. These neutral spaces can help level the playing field and encourage more open, honest dialogue.
Surprising your family with succession planning discussions can feel like ambushing them with a serious topic during what should be a celebratory time. Instead, give them time to prepare mentally and emotionally – perhaps mention it a few weeks before the holidays. You might say, "I'd love to have a family meeting about the family's future while everyone's home. Could we set aside some time on Saturday morning?" This advance notice allows everyone to gather their thoughts and come prepared for a constructive discussion.
Christmas pudding and succession planning don't mix well – just like you wouldn't serve dessert with the turkey. Keep these important discussions separate from cherished holiday traditions. If your family always opens presents on Christmas morning or has a special Christmas Eve dinner, don't try to squeeze in succession planning talks during these treasured moments. Instead, plan your discussion for a different day entirely, allowing both the celebration and the serious conversation to have their own dedicated time and attention.
Creating the Right Atmosphere
Make the environment as welcoming as a warm fireplace on a cold winter's night. Creating a welcoming environment can be crucial for productive succession planning discussions. The right setting can help everyone feel comfortable and open to conversation. Consider the physical space carefully - ensure comfortable seating and minimize potential distractions. The goal is to create an atmosphere that feels inviting and safe for everyone involved.
Have your documents organized like perfectly wrapped presents. Organization shows respect for everyone's time and demonstrates the importance of these discussions. Prepare all relevant documents, financial records, and planning materials ahead of time. Consider creating clear summaries of key points and having copies available for everyone to reference. When materials are well-organized, conversations can flow more smoothly and focus on the important decisions at hand rather than searching for information.
Consider bringing in a professional advisor. A professional advisor can serve as an invaluable neutral party in family discussions about succession planning. They can guide conversations, provide expert insights, and help navigate complex topics. Their presence often helps maintain objectivity and can provide clarity when emotions run high, ensuring that discussions stay productive and focused on achieving the best outcomes for everyone involved.
Ensure everyone has space to share their thoughts, like passing dishes around the holiday table. Just as every dish contributes to a holiday meal, every family member's perspective is valuable in succession planning. Create an environment where everyone feels comfortable speaking up, regardless of their age or role in the operation. Pay special attention to including quieter family members and ensure that younger generations feel their input is as welcome as that of older family members. Sometimes the most insightful contributions come from unexpected sources.
Keeping the Peace
Listen more than you speak. Active listening is perhaps the most crucial skill in succession planning discussions. We must attentively listen to each family member's thoughts and concerns. This means maintaining eye contact, avoiding interruptions, and truly processing what others are saying before formulating responses. When people feel genuinely heard, they're more likely to engage constructively in the planning process.
Emotions in succession planning are as delicate as vintage Christmas ornaments and deserve the same careful handling. Recognize that strong feelings about the family’s future come from a place of deep care and connection. Create space for family members to express their emotions without judgment, and address concerns with genuine empathy and understanding. Remember that these conversations often touch on lifelong dreams, fears, and hopes.
Take breaks if needed. Sometimes, the best thing for productive discussion is knowing when to pause. These breaks provide valuable time for reflection, processing information, and regaining perspective. When you resume discussions, everyone can approach the topics with renewed clarity and composure.
Focus on activities that bring everyone together, like decorating the tree or sharing family stories Intersperse serious planning discussions with activities that strengthen family bonds. Share meals together, look through old photos, or participate in favorite family traditions. These shared experiences remind everyone why preserving the family legacy is so important and can help maintain positive relationships even during challenging conversations about the future.
Managing Family Dynamics
Finding equitable solutions between farming and non-farming family members requires careful consideration. This might mean exploring different forms of inheritance, acknowledging various types of contributions to the family legacy, and developing creative solutions that honor everyone's role while ensuring the farm's continued success. Remember that fair doesn't always mean equal, but every family member's future should be considered thoughtfully.
Encourage open discussion about future roles. Each family member may have different skills and interests to offer the farm's future. Create opportunities for open discussion about who might be interested in various aspects of the operation. Consider what training or preparation might be needed and how roles could evolve over time. This forward-thinking approach helps ensure smooth transitions and clear expectations.
Document decisions - Careful documentation of decisions and discussions is essential for avoiding future misunderstandings. Ensure everyone has access to these records and understands what's been decided. This documentation becomes a valuable reference point as plans progress and change over time.
Plan for follow-up conversations like planning next year's celebrations. Succession planning isn't a one-time discussion but an ongoing process that requires regular attention. Set up a schedule for future meetings to review progress, address new questions, and adjust plans as needed. Like planning future holiday gatherings, these follow-up conversations help ensure everyone stays aligned and the process continues moving forward productively.
Wrapping Up
Remember, just as every family has their own special holiday traditions, every succession plan will be unique. The key is approaching these conversations with the same warmth and care that makes the holiday season so special.
Want some more information? Tune in to the Top Producer Podcast where attorney Jim Angell sat down with Paul Neiffer to discuss succession planning tips. Find the podcast here.
Need help wrapping up your succession planning? At Kennedy Berkley, we're here to help ensure your family's agricultural legacy continues to flourish. Contact us at 785-825-4674 or shoot us an email at roconnor@kenberk.com to learn how we can help make your family’s transition smoother than a sleigh ride through fresh snow.