Retiring Dad's Succession Plan Sparks Fury Amongst His Children, But Their Behavior Prompts a Last Minute Change of Heart.

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When a father, the Original Poster (OP), decides to retire and hand over his successful business to his children and a trusted protégé, it sparks a bitter family feud. The story unfolds at a family dinner, where the father’s plan to offer the majority of the business to the protégé incenses his son while his daughter makes a startling proposal to preserve family harmony. As resentment and suppressed emotions come to the fore, the outcome remains shrouded in uncertainty.

The Family Enterprise

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OP, a seasoned entrepreneur, has built a successful business from scratch for over thirty years. In light of a comfortable financial situation, OP decides to retire early, but it’s not the retirement that brings turmoil to the family. The real struggle ensues over the inheritance of the business.

Prodigal Son Returns

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John, OP’s son, initially worked in the family business during his high school years. However, he lacked passion and left after just four months, causing significant distress for OP. Years later, after studying finance and gaining experience elsewhere, John returns to the family business, where he excels.

The Second Son

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Sam, John’s friend, joins the business on John’s recommendation and quickly becomes integral to the operations. Unlike John, Sam displays a deep interest in the business, leading to a promotion after he completes his studies. Seeing Sam as his protégé, OP considers him a second son.

Unveiling the Succession Plan

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OP reveals his plan for the business’s future at a family dinner. Sam is to take the reins of the business, owning 60%, while John and Susan, OP’s children, are set to inherit 20% each. The announcement triggers an explosion of anger from John.

Blood Versus Loyalty

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John’s fury is directed at OP, questioning his decision to choose Sam over his own blood. Despite his business studies and current performance in the company, John feels overlooked and sidelined. OP defends his choice by pointing out Sam’s long-term commitment, intimate knowledge of the business, and respect earned from the team.

The Family Rift

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The tense dinner ends with John storming out, refusing to communicate with anyone except Susan. OP feels a deep sense of regret and attempts to mend fences with John, but his efforts fall flat. The family’s harmony is disrupted, casting a shadow over OP’s retirement plans.

The Unexpected Proposal

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After a detailed discussion with Susan, a surprising proposition is put forth: lower her inheritance share and give more to John. Susan believes the gesture might mend the relationship, but she acknowledges John’s pain, interpreting his anger as feeling replaced by Sam. Despite this insight, John remains unreachable.

Probing the Sentiment

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Intrigued by Susan’s perspective, OP questions her about her feelings toward the succession plan. She does not feel replaced or overshadowed, as she’s had little to do with the business, but she understands John’s point of view. OP is left to contemplate this new angle on the family conflict, aware of the importance of resolution.

The Misinterpreted Motive

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Following intense public criticism, OP defends his decisions, asserting that his children’s well-being is his priority. He reflects on his presence in his children’s lives and assures them that Sam is not an outsider. However, his intent, instead of unifying his family, seems to be tearing it apart.

A Glimmer of Hope

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A breakthrough occurs when Susan informs OP that John is ready to talk. OP prepares diligently, listing key points based on external advice. The forthcoming meeting could be a turning point, mending or further breaking the strained family relations.

The Long-Awaited Conversation

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OP finally sits down with John to discuss the contentious succession plan. The discussion opens with an apology and an affirmation of John’s significance in the decision-making process. However, OP still faces the uphill task of bridging the emotional gap between him and his son.

An Unexpected Confession

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John confesses that he never aspired to lead the business, acknowledging Sam’s superior preparedness. However, he also reveals a deep-seated jealousy and guilt that has influenced his relationship with OP and his attitude toward the business. Despite his performance, John feels like a mere ‘number cruncher’ and a second priority to Sam.

Father’s Regret

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John confronts OP with a question, asking if OP held his initial quitting against him. Reading into the comments from outsiders and reflecting on his actions, OP admits there may be a subconscious resentment. He apologizes to John, expressing sorrow over the possibility that his actions may have hurt his son.

The Need for Distance

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John requests time off from the business to heal and sort out his emotions. Despite his deep-seated guilt and feelings of inadequacy, he does not reject OP completely, indicating a possibility of resolution in the future. OP supports his son’s decision, promising him his position is always secure.

Susan’s Sacrifice

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Upon reflection, OP agrees with Susan’s suggestion of redistributing her share to John. It is a significant gesture of love and support for her brother and an attempt to heal the family rift. This action, although it doesn’t immediately resolve the issue, demonstrates the family’s commitment to restoring their unity.

A Delayed Transition

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With the familial discord surrounding the succession plan, OP postpones his retirement. Recognizing the importance of resolving the issues at hand, he maintains his position at the helm of the business. While the succession plan is yet to be finalized, OP is determined to ensure a smooth transition that respects his family’s sentiments.

Was The Family’s Behavior Appropriate?

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The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses:

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “You lack emotional intelligence. It would be obvious to most people that this should be a conversation to have over a long period of time, individually, with each of the three concerned parties. Announcing the completed decision was bound to set off some unpredictable feelings.”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote: “The very fact that John believes that the blood relationship should factor into the management of the business is proof that he is not the right person to own it.”

A Third View on The Story

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A different person states, “When John was working for you originally, he was in High School. At that age, many kids buck against what their parents do or want – It’s totally normal. So I’m not surprised he left. But he came back. He studied something that would add value to the business, and he came back and worked for you.”

A Final Perspective on the Matter

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Another viewpoint on the story: “You should have respected the people involved, particularly your son, enough to tell them each privately. I can’t imagine how you created a successful business when you have this little insight into how people think and how they would react to this kind of news. Instead, you created a public scene that no doubt embarrassed Sam as well as your family and will ultimately make it harder for Sam to keep running the company successfully.”