17 Dec 2025
Article by Marina Skinner, Principal of Generational Harmony
This time of year captures the full range of feelings; from exhausted to exhilarated and everything in between.
Whatever the year has held for you, the weeks before year-end often bring additional pressures, timelines, and expectations.
For most agribusinesses, the operational side is well-rehearsed. Whether it’s feeding livestock, irrigating, planting, or harvesting, experience has taught farmers and family business owners how to plan ahead and juggle priorities; even when weather, markets and supply chains add new challenges.
Now as the year draws to a close, thoughts turn to taking a well-earned break and time with family. However, in farming and family businesses it is rare to switch off. It is not uncommon to see tensions and unresolved issues spill over when everyone comes together. Numerous case studies highlight how unresolved matters often surface during family gatherings, creating disharmony as diverse personalities, strengths, limitations, and perspectives naturally come into play.
Perhaps everyone gets along well together most of the time, but conversations arise that are best addressed in a different forum. A break from the business, and quiet time away from the farm allow entrepreneurial minds to percolate new visions. Owners and leaders start to think about the future and what keeps them awake at night. Remember, the element of surprise or change to the status quo may not be well received, especially when others are trying to relax and recharge.
Communication is critical to managing and enhancing family harmony. If past experiences or new members joining the family have you concerned about Christmas lunch, take a leaf out of the books of successful family businesses.
A few simple steps can make a big difference:
Plan ahead: communicate early so everyone knows what’s coming. Awareness is the first step toward change.
Keep it simple: aim for consensus on the ground rules if a matter comes up; that is not for the dinner table. It can be as easy as having an ‘agenda’ in a prominent spot that everyone knows about. Some families have a standing agenda on the side of the fridge that can be added to at any time. Then, if a conversation comes up, give a gentle reminder to put it on the agenda.
Set a date, time and place in advance for a family meeting, so everyone knows that matters raised will be addressed. Be sure to follow through.
Family meetings
When the appropriate time does come to have your family meeting, a little bit of formality can go a long way. Here are some tips for holding effective family meetings,
Begin with a clear sense of purpose, set an agenda, and share it openly in advance. Communicate so everyone feels included, prepared, and respected—ensuring the meeting unfolds with clarity and without surprises.
Nominate the length of the meeting and stick to it. It’s better to discuss one or two key matters well, than rush through many. Success breeds success.
Set some rules on behaviours during a meeting to build mutual trust and respect. Keep what’s best for the family and the business in mind.
The following are examples of rules to agree on at the start of each meeting.
Turn off mobile devices or place on silent
Be punctual
Respect each other and listen actively
Keep calm
Share, support and contribute
Have an open and honest conversation
Have one conversation at a time – avoid distracting side conversations
Make one point at a time and support opinions with facts
Be patient and open-minded – do not dismiss another person’s idea
Understand the boundaries. Be aware of and identify what “hat” you are wearing
Make “I” statements. Don’t blame or attack; talk about how you feel and what you think
Keep goals and objectives of the family and business uppermost. “What is best for the family and the business?”
Discuss issues constructively – accept decisions reached through fair and appropriate processes.
The first family meeting is often the hardest, so consider inviting an independent facilitator to keep things fair. They will hold everyone accountable and ensure all family members are heard.
Great meetings take practice. So does good communication. Both are essential to thriving family farms and agribusinesses.
If you would like the opportunity to learn more about how to achieve more productive and effective communication, consider completing QFF’s Farm Business Resilience Program Expression of Interest form below so we can inform you of upcoming sessions with advisors like Marina.
The Farm Business Resilience Program is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Queensland Government’s Drought and Climate Adaptation Program.