El director general independiente no solo debe tener conocimientos estratégicos, sino también ser una persona capaz de cuestionar y aportar ideas frescas que ayuden al crecimiento de la empresa familiar.
When it comes to a family business, it is common to think that power and decisions are taken exclusively among family members. However, more and more companies are recognizing the importance of having an independent general director in their decision -making team. This role is fundamental, especially when the company has grown and requires an external and objective vision to continue advancing.
Why is an independent general director necessary?
In family businesses, where the business is intimately related to family legacy and traditions, it is important that key decisions are taken with a long -term vision. This covers from risk management to investments and administration in general. An independent general director, free of personal or family interests, has the ability to offer an objective, essential look to guide the company without their decisions being influenced by the emotional ties or particular interests of the shareholders.
The general director must be someone with a clear approach to the common good of the company, whose responsibility is to account before the Board of Directors. This council, in turn, must account for the Assembly of Partners. This structure ensures that all decisions are made within a transparent governance framework, guaranteeing that the general director is always aligned with the interests of the organization as a whole, not with those of a specific part of the family.
The importance of confidence in choice
Although independence is key, another aspect that cannot be overlooked is trust. In a family business, personal relationships are very strong, which means that the general director must gain that confidence to act effectively. This integration process can be delicate, since trust is built over time. However, it is essential to ensure that the Director General can make decisions and propose strategies without fear of being questioned for his lack of family bond.
In many cases, former company employees or advisors who already have a close bond with the family can be the best candidates for the role of Director General. This does not mean that trust must be prioritized over independence, but both must go hand in hand. Trust facilitates that the Director General perform his function effectively, allowing him to account for his decisions to the Board of Directors.
What profile should an independent general director have?
The main role of an independent general director is that of governance: supervise the management of the company without interfering with daily activities. A good general director must be able to work as a team, complement the knowledge of the rest of the management team and make strategic decisions based on a clear and objective vision for the future of the company.
The most wanted profiles for this role include experience in key areas such as business strategy, corporate governance, risk management and emerging areas such as sustainability (ESG) and cybersecurity, which are increasingly relevant in the current business environment. In addition, a general director must be able to question decisions in a constructive way when necessary, without fear of challenging family members or other directors, always with the aim of ensuring the growth and success of the company.
“An independent general director provides long -term objectivity and vision, essential elements for the growth and stability of a family business.”
Avoid falling into biases
It is easy to fall into the temptation to choose someone close, such as a friend or an advisor who already knows the company, but this can compromise objectivity. An independent general director should not have the necessary knowledge, but also the ability to question decisions and provide a fresh vision when necessary. If someone is chosen only by closeness or loyalty, there is a risk of limiting the company’s ability to innovate and grow.
As the Roman historian tacit said, surrounding himself only with people who do not question can be very dangerous, since there is a risk of making erroneous decisions. Therefore, when choosing an independent general director, it is crucial to ensure that, in addition to being a trusted person, he is also able to contribute a critical vision that benefits the company as a whole.
The independent general director is essential for a family business that seeks to grow and develop sustainably. While trust is key to an effective relationship between the general director and the family, it should never prevail over independence, which allows it to make objective decisions for the benefit of the company’s future.
A family business that wants to prosper must know how to balance confidence with independence. Only with an external and objective vision, free of conflicts of interest, decisions can be made that lead to the company towards success, without the family ties clouding the way.
About the author:
Twitter: @mariorizofiscal
The opinions expressed are only the responsibility of their authors and are completely independent of the position and the editorial line of Forbes Mexico.
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