Alinear los pilares internos de una organización familiar es fundamental para trascender en un entorno de constantes cambios.
In a Mexico where economic and political challenges are constant, such as the changes derived from the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC) and international competitive pressure, family businesses must seek to professionalize to guarantee their permanence. In this context, McKinsey’s 7S model becomes an essential tool to identify strengths and align internal capabilities with external demands.
What are McKinsey’s 7S?
The McKinsey 7S model, developed by Peters and Waterman, proposes seven key factors that determine the success of any organization: Style, Staff, Systems, Strategy, Structure. , Skills and Shared Values. These factors must be aligned to ensure that the organization’s goals are consistent with its internal capabilities and culture.
For a family business, the application of this model not only helps to strengthen its organizational structure, but also to overcome challenges such as the professionalization of leadership, the integration of new generations and adaptation to the demands of a globalized market.
The seven keys to transforming a family business
1. Style Leadership in a family business is deeply influenced by the organizational culture and family values. In Mexico, many family businesses face the challenge of moving from centralized leadership to collaborative one. Founders must be an example, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration that inspires confidence in new generations.
2. Personal (Staff) Human capital is the most valuable resource. With the rise of nearshoring, Mexican companies have the opportunity to attract and retain highly qualified talent. For family businesses, this means investing in training, establishing clear hiring and development policies, and ensuring that employment relationships are transparent and equitable, even when staff include family members.
3. Sistemas (Systems) Internal processes and technologies are key to efficiency. Many family businesses in Mexico lack modern systems that allow them to operate competitively. Digitizing processes, implementing business management systems (ERP) and establishing clear metrics are fundamental steps to professionalize the operation.
4. Strategy Without a clear strategy, any organization loses direction. In the current context, where the USMCA and nearshoring offer new opportunities, family businesses must design strategies that align their legacy with the demands of the global market. This includes identifying market niches, diversifying products and services, and adapting quickly to regulatory changes.
The key to the permanence of a family business is its ability to align its values and strategies.
5. Structure The organizational structure must be flexible but clear. Many family businesses operate with informal hierarchies that make decision-making difficult. Professionalizing the structure involves defining roles and responsibilities, establishing decision-making committees, and ensuring that each family member understands their roles within the business.
6. Skills Developing both technical and soft skills is essential to compete in a globalized market. Family businesses must invest in the training of their collaborators and members, promoting skills such as adaptability, international negotiation and conflict resolution.
7. Shared Values Values are the soul of the family business. These must be present in all decisions and aligned with growth strategies. In an increasingly competitive environment, ethics, sustainability and commitment to the community must be guiding principles.
Applying the 7S in a changing environment
In sectors such as manufacturing and food, where family businesses predominate, the 7S model can make the difference between staying in the market or disappearing. For example, a company in the automotive sector that wants to integrate into international supply chains needs to not only modernize its infrastructure, but also align its family values with the expectations of the global market.
Professionalization does not mean abandoning family principles, but adapting them so that they are a competitive advantage. By applying the 7S, family businesses can identify areas of opportunity and build resilient organizations, capable of facing the challenges of an increasingly demanding global environment.
A family business must be flexible enough to adapt to change, but without losing sight of its essence. McKinsey’s 7S model is a guide to achieving this balance.
“Excellence is not an act, but a habit.” Aristotle
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Twitter: @mariorizofiscal
The opinions expressed are solely the responsibility of their authors and are completely independent of the position and editorial line of Forbes Mexico.
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