Control the Result, and Care for Your Stakeholders if You Leave on Your Shield

I love helping leaders of family-owned businesses exit their companies into a great retirement, and it's a rush helping a leader make his business into one that is self-managing- one that gives him or her the freedom to be present again at dance recitals and family gatherings. Sometimes, though, the leader of a family-owned business leaves on his shield because of his or her death, long-term illness, or disability. Here is some thinking on how to maintain control and care for your stakeholders if you don't leave on your feet.