The return on investment for leadership development is huge—even more so for family-owned businesses. Companies that invest in their leadership see six times the return on that investment.
Is Leadership Development right for my family business?
Consider this: Research published by Fortune Magazine found that Fortune 1000 companies utilizing executive coaching saw a:
53%
Boost in Productivity
23%
Cut in Costs
32%
Long-Term Employee Retention
22%
Growth in Profitability
48%
Organizational Strength Increase
Benefits of Leadership Development for Your Family Business
Increase your leadership effectiveness and decision-making.
Create a team that can take your family business to the next level.
Improve communication with family and non-family employees.
Boost productivity, motivation, and momentum within your team.
Feel more confident and able to lead your family and business.
Unlock Your Leadership Potential
In our free course How to Increase Your Leadership Effectiveness, you'll learn the key leadership styles that impact family businesses—Tactical, Situations, and Strategic Leadership—and how each can drive success in your business.
Start today with our first lesson, The Capacity of a Leader.
What Makes an Effective Leader in a Family Business?
Knowledge of Core Principles
In the world of leadership, there's a lot of noise. We'll help you focus on the core principles that truly make a difference in your family-owned business—principles that are easy to implement and lead to real results.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Emotional intelligence is the game-changer you need to manage your business and family relationships with empathy and effectiveness. J. Paul Getty famously said, “It doesn’t make much difference how smart, how much knowledge or how much experience an executive possesses; if he is unable to achieve results through people, he is worthless as an executive.”
Coaching skills to develop others
You don't just need to manage—you need to coach your team to success. Great leaders in family businesses don't tell people what to do, but coach and guide them toward shares goals. We help you develop those coaching skills so you can build a team that thrives on its own, even as your business grows.
FREE ONLINE COURSE
How to Increase Your Leadership Effectiveness
and Build A Team That Moves In The Same Direction With Shared Goals.
How We Can Help You Build a Stronger Family Business
Grow your leadership skills and develop leaders within your family business.
Learn from a coach with experience in family businesses just like yours.
Strengthen your ability to grow and lead your business effectively.
Get tailored training that meets the needs of your family business.
Equip you with the tools you need to making leading your family business easier.
What Our Family Business Clients Are Saying
Glenn is an inspiring and motivating mentor. Regardless of your age, career, or personality, he enables the growth of self-awareness and strategic thinking. Glenn is patient, respectful, forward-looking, and optimistic with this coaching style. His expertise in a broad variety of topics allows him to match his coaching style to nearly anyone.
Jorge Lara
We have tripled in our business, so our numbers are through the roof right now. I am no longer a technician in the business, I don't work in the business, I completely just work on the business.
Sterling Carter
Co-Owner, Cartera Health
We've seen some really good results. We've grown upwards of 70%. I really believe that a lot of the things I've learned in the coaching program have helped us achieve those results.
Jason Rorie
Founder & Former Owner, Elevated Technologies
In one year of Glenn's coaching, I was up 50% growth. I don't know how I could be where I am today had I not been in the coaching. That's why I stayed.
Rand Wall
Founder & Former Owner, Wall 2 Wall Insurance Services
I have worked with Glenn Smith for over 10 years, and his impact on my professional growth has been exceptional. His patience, deep expertise in leadership and executive training, and outstanding problem-solving skills have helped me navigate complex challenges with confidence. Glenn’s calm, strategic approach and ability to provide clear, actionable solutions make him an invaluable coach. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking to elevate their leadership skills or overcome organizational challenges.
Christina Hawkins
"Glenn, Thank you so much for all you taught us yesterday. After talking with the team today, we are all in agreement it was one of the best PD management trainings we’ve been through.
I was nervous, because sometimes these management trainings can be a little cheesy, but you really did provide us with quality information that we will be using! I will definitely be recommending you to my HR friends."
Emily Catalano
Emily Catalano, PHR, Director of Human Resources, Southernisc
Working with Glenn S. has been transformative and deeply rewarding! His unwavering integrity, values-based leadership, and profound understanding of family business dynamics perfectly align with the principles that define our company.
What truly sets Glenn apart is his ability to navigate complex challenges and sensitive issues with clarity, honesty, and respect. He fosters open communication, collaboration, and solutions that not only strengthen operations but also reinforce the values at the core of our business and our commitment to the people we serve.
For any family-owned business seeking real growth, values alignment, and lasting impact, Glenn S.
is an exceptional partner
Barbara Nelson
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Montessori House for Children & Elementary School
Our Leadership Development Program (LDP) consists of a series of management training and coaching modules.
We’ve designed our Leadership Development Program (LDP) to work for family businesses, no matter how big or small. Sessions can be delivered in small groups (3-4 hours each) or as one-on-one coaching. Each module includes useful content, group discussions (when presented in groups), and individual coaching. These modules may also be combined to create a one, two, or three-day retreat.
Your Family Business Needs a Leadership Pipeline
For your family business to grow, you need a strong leadership team. While it’s tempting to promote family members, leadership isn’t about family ties—it’s about finding the right people, whether family or non-family, who can drive your business forward.
Bringing in outside leaders can fill skill gaps, but training both family and non-family employees ensures they have the tools and knowledge to lead effectively, no matter where they come from.
FREE ONLINE COURSE
How to Increase Your Leadership Effectiveness
and Build A Team That Moves In The Same Direction With Shared Goals.
Building Leadership from Within
When it comes to leadership in your family business, it’s important to start by finding people who fit your company’s culture first, then assess their skills for the role. Too often, businesses hire based on talent alone and then wonder why things aren’t working out months later. The truth is, cultural fit matters just as much as experience.
For most family businesses, the best approach is to develop leaders from within. These are people who already understand your company’s values, vision, and way of working. By giving them the training and growth opportunities that match their strengths, you not only build stronger leadership but also retain your best people.
That’s not to say you should never hire outside the family—but having a plan to nurture leaders from within helps you create a more dynamic, sustainable company.
How Do You Build Leadership From Within?
Our Leadership Development Coaching and Training is designed to help you build a leadership pipeline that ensures a steady flow of strong leaders as your family business grows.
Whether you need weekly or bi-weekly coaching, monthly or quarterly training, or even a full leadership development program, we’ll tailor our services to fit the needs and budget of your family business.
Leadership Development Coaching and Training
Whether it's a family member or a trusted team member, Glenn can come to your business to provide hands-on training to your business leaders. These 2-4 hour sessions are designed to fit the unique needs of family businesses, with personal assessments and skill-building exercises that equip your team with practical tools they can apply immediately.
This is an opportunity to boost leadership skills, improve communication, and create a more cohesive team—no matter who’s leading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Leadership development is the process of improving the skills and abilities of your team, so they can take on greater responsibilities and help drive your family business forward. It often involves coaching, training, and mentorship to help individuals grow as leaders and better contribute to your company's success.
Leadership development benefits both you as an owner and your business. It helps improve how your team makes decisions, communicates, and works together—boosting productivity and making your family business more efficient.
Plus, it strengthens your business's culture, reduces turnover, and helps retain key employees, making your business stronger and more sustainable.
A leadership development program can help you:
- Build a leadership team that will drive your business forward.
- Increase your leadership skills, performance, and ability to get results.
- Develop a team capable of scaling your family business.
- Boost confidence, motivation, and effectiveness across your team.
- Free up time for you to focus on growing your business while your team handles the details.
Leadership development programs usually include a mix of coaching and training sessions, either in group settings or one-on-one. These sessions are designed to improve leadership skills, offer practical tools for daily operations, and create long-term growth strategies. We can also offer retreats that combine several modules for an intensive learning experience.
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is essential for leading a family business. It allows leaders to manage their own emotions and understand others, which is key to fostering strong relationships and making better decisions. Leaders with high EQ can inspire their teams, navigate family dynamics, and deal with challenges more effectively.
A leadership development program helps identify and nurture potential leaders within your family business. It ensures that you’re training your future leaders to take on key roles, preserving your company’s values and culture as it grows. This ensures you have the right people in place to help your business thrive for the long term.
Absolutely! Leadership development is especially beneficial for small to mid-sized family businesses. It helps develop leaders from within, ensuring they’re a good cultural fit and aligned with the company’s values. By building your own leadership pipeline, you reduce the need to rely on costly outside hires and foster a strong, unified team.
We understand every family business is unique. That’s why our leadership development services are adaptable. Whether you need weekly or monthly coaching, quarterly training, or a more customized approach, we’ll work with you to create a plan that fits your business’s needs and budget.
Yes! We offer leadership development training tailored specifically for your family business, whether for family members or non-family employees. Glenn Smith will work with you and your team to provide hands-on coaching and skill-building exercises, ensuring everyone leaves with actionable tools they can use immediately.
Investing in leadership development pays off significantly for family businesses. According to research, companies that invest in leadership development programs see a return on investment six times greater than the cost of the program. This return shows up in the form of increased productivity, improved employee retention, higher profitability, and a more cohesive, effective team.
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Glenn Smith Executive Coaching is a professional coaching company that helps business owners and leaders grow their businesses.
Glenn has been coaching for more than 25 years and is committed to the Code of Professional Standards and Ethics set by the International Coach Federation. He has created the Business Acceleration Process, a unique and proven process to help business owners grow their businesses while balancing their lives.
