How can you measure a family’s ability to stay connected for generations? The simple answer is: by cohesion. Okay, end of blog, right? No, because we are going to look at the elements of cohesion.
Cohesion is defined as the ability to stick together. Its origin is from Latin meaning to stick or cling to. With the right elements, cohesion can provide the glue that connects families for hundred of years. Families like Rockefeller, Blake, Rothschild, and Mogi are using elements of cohesion to keep their families united when the natural tendency for a family is to break apart or fade into irrelevance within two or three generations.
Elements that form cohesion include:
- A shared value system
- A shared purpose
- Understood standards
- A structure of governance
When shared values are codified, people feel that they have a rallying point.
When a family’s purpose is codified, people feel like are moving towards the same objective.
When standards accompanied with governance are honored, the rules of play are known, members know what is expected of them. All these must rest on a foundation of empathy, understanding, inclusivity, and fairness. These take intentionality to nurture and develop.
Contrast this with wills that are disseminated and sometimes read, trusts that are administered often by outside parties who do not know the culture or dynamics of the family and can fray fragile relationships and destroy the family core. Which way do you choose? It will matter to family harmony.
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