sample "code of Conduct" for the Private Family Business

I always:

1. Treat family members with integrity, honesty and respect and never criticize another family member’s decision in public.

2. To the best of my ability, I will try to demonstrate courtesy, respect, and friendship when dealing with other family members to show employees that the family is close.

3. Be a professional listener who allows others to express their views without interruption or challenge.

4. Make decisions based on the principles indicated in our family business doctrine.

5. Invest in a minimum of one consecutive week per year in personal management and leadership development offered outside the organization.

6. Be willing to discuss problems openly and honestly.

7. Publicly support the decisions of the President and other senior managers

8. Address any problem with a family member directly with that person.

9. Fulfill all my commitments to other family members unless I notify them in advance.

10. Be open to constructive feedback from family members with a positive follow-up dialogue without closing off or fostering feelings of resentment.

11. I will function in my role within the scope of my responsibilities and will not usurp or evade authority.

12. Respect the position of other family members in the performance of their duties, as outlined in their personal job responsibilities, and support their decisions, even if I disagree.

13. Commit to act in accordance with and support this code of conduct.

I never:

1. Openly challenging a family member in front of other employees about a decision they made. I can disagree and discuss problems without being nasty and confrontational.

2. I get so upset that I withdraw or disconnect from a family argument unless we call a time out to allow emotions to cool down.

3. Ignore a decision made by another family member who performs in their respective role with the authority defined by their role.

4. Going behind the back of another family member with the intent to solicit the support of employees in challenging the other family member’s authority.

5. Discuss the competence or attitude of another family member with any employee of our company. Family respect will always be the top priority.

6. Intentionally hiding information relevant to the business of another family member.

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Signed by all family members