Hug of War – with Cathy Carroll
In the latest episode of the Family Business Podcast, host Russ Haworth sits down with Cathy Carroll, author of the compelling book Hug of War: How to Lead a Family Business with Both Love and Logic. The conversation offers a deep exploration of the unique challenges that come with leading a family business, a subject Cathy knows all too well from personal experience.
Meet the Author
Cathy Carroll shares her journey from a 20-year corporate career to stepping into her father’s business as president and COO. Her experience navigating the complex dynamics of family business leadership, especially the difficulties of working alongside her father, inspired her to become a leadership coach and eventually write Hug of War. The book serves as both a reflection of her own learning journey and a guide for others in similar situations.
The Tug of War Between Love and Logic
The title Hug of War brilliantly encapsulates the book’s core thesis: the constant tension between the family mindset, driven by love and fairness, and the business mindset, driven by logic and profit. Cathy describes how these two mindsets create a “tug of war” within leaders, leading to conflicts and challenges that are unique to family businesses.
Understanding Polarities
One of the key concepts Cathy discusses in Hug of War is the idea of polarities—interdependent pairs of opposing forces like candour and diplomacy, or market pay and equal pay. She emphasises that family business leaders often struggle with these polarities because both sides have valid points. The book provides tools and examples to help leaders manage these tensions effectively, encouraging a “both-and” mindset rather than an “either-or” approach.
Navigating Succession and Conflict
Succession planning in family businesses is another hot topic in the book. Cathy outlines the polarities at play during leadership transitions, such as the tension between urgency and patience in the rising generation. She also introduces the concept of constructive conflict, differentiating between task conflict, which can be beneficial, and relationship conflict, which can be destructive if not managed properly.
The Impact of Domain Crossover and Shadow Influence
Cathy delves into the complexities of “domain crossover,” where power in one domain (family) is used to influence another (business), often leading to conflict. She also explores “shadow influence,” where individuals with no formal role in the business exert significant power, sometimes for good and sometimes with negative consequences.
A Call for Both-And Thinking
Throughout the episode, Cathy and Russ discuss the importance of embracing both-and thinking in family business leadership. Cathy argues that once leaders wrap their heads around this concept, it transforms their approach to problem-solving and conflict management.
Final Thoughts
This episode of the Family Business Podcast offers a treasure trove of insights for anyone involved in a family business. Cathy’s book, Hug of War, provides practical tools and thoughtful guidance for navigating the unique challenges that come with leading a business where family and professional roles intersect.
Where to Buy Hug of War
For those interested in diving deeper into the topics discussed, Hug of War is available for purchase at major online retailers. You can also learn more about Cathy Carroll and her work at her website, Legacy Onward.
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Listen to Part One of the interview here:
Listen to Part Two of the interview here:
