When to Return to Leading Your Family Business During a Crisis

Transitions in leadership are always tricky at family firms, where outgoing executives are likely to hold an ownership interest and be blood relatives of their replacements. During crises like the pandemic, these transitions can be undone when the departed leader feels the need to step back in, drawing on his or her experience. This article presents a case study of Mark and Peter, father-and-son leaders of a firm that experienced such a challenge, and offers advice on how the former and current leaders can cooperate and communicate to limit conflict in this situation.