Lessons from My Father: The Power of Harmony at the Top

Lessons from my father.

At our last family retreat before my father passed away – sensing that there may be very few opportunities left – I asked dad: “What’s the most important thing that I should focus on to ensure the success of EG?”

I was expecting my father to say something grandiose about self-belief, downside risk protection or talent retention.

Instead, he looked me straight in the eye and said quietly: “Harmony at the top.”

“Every other stress is manageable, except relationship stress at the top. It’s debilitating, personally and professionally. Avoid it at all costs.”

“If there’s a business issue you can’t resolve through discussion, let Michael prevail. He’s older and wiser than you. Never argue.”

A house divided against itself will fall.