Here are some time-tested methods of handling family concerns that may arise when farming or ranching together:
- Identify what the problem is and who is involved.
- Hold a family meeting with those involved in the problem.
- Use problem-solving techniques.
- Avoid blaming, arguing or other forms of conflict.
This series of steps has been found helpful in many stressful situations. Consider following the steps in this action plan.
1. Begin problem solving by gathering the family and establishing a positive atmosphere, free from interruptions.
Help family members identify the specific problem at hand and determine who can or should help in resolving it. For example, one person’s behavior may be a problem to someone else because it is interfering in some tangible way with another person completing a task. (Learn to accept differences in values.)
2. Next, identify what each person involved in the problem really wants. As a group, brainstorm all possible solutions.
Remember these brainstorming rules: allow no criticism of any solutions until you are finished; encourage creative, new ideas; get as many ideas as possible; build on solutions already suggested.
3. Once the brainstorming is complete, evaluate each solution by listing its pros and cons. Through compromise arrive at a consensus about the best solution.
This means arrive at a solution all of you can live with for now. Decide who will do what, when and how. Make sure each person is clear about his or her part of the agreement. Then, put your plan into action on a trial basis, say for a month.
4. Finally, meet again after a month to figure out what worked and what did not. It may be necessary to try another solution or adjust your current efforts.