Listen to the women in your family business

Judges 13:21-23

After Samson’s mother recounts to Samson’s father the visit from the angel, he needs to hear it for himself. So the next time the angel appears, she (her name is never given) gets Samson’s father, Manoah, and they both talk with the angel. When they are done talking, Manoah prepares a burnt offering, and the angel then disappears “into the flame of the altar.”

The angel of the LORD appeared no more to Manoah and to his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was the angel of the LORD. And Manoah said to his wife, “We shall surely die, for we have seen God.” But his wife said to him, “If the LORD had meant to kill us, he would not have accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering at our hands, or shown us all these things, or now announced to us such things as these.” (Judges 13:21-23)

I find this one of the more humorous passages I’ve come across in my reflections. A man and his wife have just experienced the most significant event of their lives so far — seeing and interacting with an angel. Dad becomes emotionally despondent and laments, “That’s it! We’re going to die!” Mom, ever the practical one, says, “Don’t be stupid. Why would he tell us all of these wonderful things that are going to happen to us and then kill us?” The moral: Listen to the women in your life — your mom, your wife, your sister or daughter — as their perspective is often more reasoned and insightful!

On a more serious note, women in family businesses, particularly in male-dominated industries, are often overlooked for their wisdom, intelligence, and leadership potential. They can bring insight to difficult relationship issues, positively influence a negotiation, and they often see with clear eyes what needs to be done. And don’t discount a daughter, daughter-in-law, or sister when approaching succession. She may be the most qualified person to lead the company into the future.

Can you recall some insight or key advice given by a woman in your family or business? In your planning, how do you ensure the women involved have a voice and are recognized for their contribution?