The One Critical Characteristic You Need to Work with a Family Office

Operating the varied intricacies of a family office’s (FO) investments while navigating family dynamics is no easy trek. It is a consuming, 24-hour, demanding, heavily layered job.

Working with FOs is a unique commitment that will undoubtedly keep you on your toes, yet potentially escalate your professional capacity to new heights. 

Not just anyone can be hired by a prestigious FO without some dependable characteristics. 

FOs are particular about whom they hire, as they should be. 

A great deal of financial acumen and interpersonal finesse is required to navigate FO's complex financial landscape, handle highly sensitive information, and manage the expectations and hopes of a family of many different members. 

Joining an FO means you are not working for just one boss. You are taking on the expectations and hopes of several people -  an entire family for generations! 

Working with an FO requires an emotional intelligence that must be flexible and ready to engage different generations while seeking alignment among all. 

Emotional intelligence powers professionals to navigate intricate family relationships, empathize with diverse viewpoints, and deftly handle potential conflicts. This trait fosters trust, effective communication, and a deeper understanding of family members’ goals and values. 

The practice of recognizing and managing emotions - both the family’s and others - will lead to smoother decision-making, maintain harmonious interactions, and ensure the preservation of the family's wealth for generations to come. 

Making an omelet requires breaking eggs. Being one of the broken is sometimes part of the job; knowing when to be one and one to break one is the emotional intelligence aspect, aligning with the best interest of the whole.