Conflict Management Consulting
Leveraging Conflict for Deeper Connection
As the leader of a family business, you know when unresolved tension has become a ticking time bomb.
Poor emotion regulation, hurtful communication, and cold interactions have created a collective sense of frustration, confusion, and hopelessness. You are at a crossroads: make a definitive effort to save the family unit, or risk losing the very people you built this legacy for.
There is a productive path forward.
The Transformation Process
Dr. Reuben guides family businesses through a specialized journey of healing, reconciliation, and strategic conflict management. His structured process is designed to move your family from high-stakes friction to radical cohesion
Starting Point
Family Dynamics Assessment
Dr. Reuben will meet with key family members to understand the nature of the family conflict and readiness for change. Following a report-out and a collaborative decision to engage, the family moves into the 3-step process outlined below.
Phase One
Individual Skill-Building
Dr. Reuben works 1-on-1 with each family member to build the emotional IQ and communication skills necessary for healthy interaction. This ensures everyone is equipped before coming to the table.
Phase Two
Unified Dialogue
Once prepared, the family is invited into a series of in-person facilitated dialogue-based workshops to address core conflicts and unify around a shared vision.
Phase Three
Generational Norms
The family collaborates to create structures and norms—for both the family and the business—that sustain progress and prevent the recurrence of generational trauma.
Outcome of Conflict Management
For Individuals
Reduce fear, resentment, and hopelessness
Increase respect, trust, and empathy
Strengthen emotional intelligence
Improve critical thinking
Enhance communication skills
For Families and Teams
Positive interpersonal engagement
Enhance conflict management skills
Improve collaboration
Clarity on points of contention and opportunities to resolve them
Identification of action steps to address individual and relational needs
For Businesses
Improve sense of psychological safety and belonging
Creation of owner and family councils
Formalize succession plans
Clarity on action steps needed for generational transitions and organizational development
Enhanced teamwork among family, owners, board, and management
Conflict doesn’t have to end in disconnection.
It can be the spark that leads to improved communication, deeper trust, and the family-wide changes necessary to thrive for generations to come.
Are you ready to transmute your family’s conflict into unity?
Feedback
Frequently Asked Questions
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Dr. Reuben’s typical clients are family business owners and executive teams navigating high stakes interpersonal conflict. His clients typically seek to resolve the conflict because they have financial, family, and business interests they are committed to sustaining or improving.
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The transformation process typically spans 9 to 12 months. At the project's conclusion, Dr. Reuben facilitates a review of progress and outlines a roadmap for continued momentum. This may include a long-term partnership and referrals to maintain positive progress.
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If multiple internal attempts to rally the family have stalled, it is time to engage a third-party expert. Dr. Reuben will complete an assessment to determine the client’s current capacity for change and to design a plan forward, including referrals to other resources when necessary.
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Dr. Reuben meets with all members directly involved in the conflict. Depending on the nature of the dynamics, spouses and other stakeholders may be included in the process to ensure holistic resolution and alignment.
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Dr. Reuben remains an objective facilitator, empowering family members to make decisions based on their individual and collective values. If he takes a "side," it is the side of connection—to oneself and to the family unit.
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Yes. To maintain positive progress, Dr. Reuben often guides families in drafting a Family Constitution. This living document outlines the family’s mission, values, code of conduct, and conflict management protocols to provide a clear framework for future generations.
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Absolutely. Conflict often peaks during generational shifts. Dr. Reuben is uniquely equipped to facilitate the emotional and strategic transitions required for successful next-generation succession.
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Yes. Dr. Reuben helps owners leverage their influence by developing leadership skills and establishing formal governance structures—such as Family Councils and Owner Councils—to create the clarity and boundaries necessary for healthy functioning between the family and its business.
