As an affluent individual, you’ve built a successful career, accumulated wealth, and created a comfortable life for your family. But a nagging question lingers: how do you ensure your legacy extends beyond the here and now? How can you create a foundation for your children, grandchildren, and beyond to not only inherit wealth, but also have the tools and knowledge to make it flourish for generations to come?
This is the challenge of achieving multigenerational success, a concern that weighs heavily on the minds of many affluent families. While financial security is undeniably important, it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
As affluent families struggle with the challenges of preserving their wealth across generations, much of the focus has been on financial planning, investment strategies, and estate management. Research suggests that the odds of sustaining wealth over multiple generations are as low as 30 per cent, with less than 3 per cent of failures resulting from poor estate planning or investment returns. This rapid decline points to a crucial flaw in traditional wealth management strategies – a focus on assets over people.
Human capital, defined as an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities, is a critical component of a family’s overall wealth and well-being. Yet, many affluent families fail to recognize its importance or invest in its development, putting their multigenerational success at risk.
Leaving a pile of money behind is not enough. Without the knowledge, skills, and values instilled within the family, even the sturdiest financial foundation can crumble. So, what are the specific fears that keep affluent families up at night?
Common fears and challenges
Squandering the Inheritance: The fear that future generations will lack the financial literacy or work ethic to manage their wealth responsibly is a major concern. Imagine inheriting a significant sum of money, only to make poor investment decisions or fall victim to lavish spending habits.
Cornelius Vanderbilt, also known as “The Commodore,” amassed one of the largest fortunes in American history during the 19th century, primarily through his investments in steamships and railroads. By the time of his death in 1877, his fortune was around $100 million, equivalent to over $2 billion today. However, his descendants squandered it within a few generations due to lavish spending, lack of financial education, and absence of clear governance.
Communication barriers: Money can be a potent source of conflict. Without clear communication and shared values, inheritance can tear families apart. Disagreements over investment strategies, distribution of assets, or involvement in family businesses can lead to bitterness and lasting damage.
Loss of purpose and drive: Inheriting wealth can unintentionally stifle the motivation and work ethic of future generations. Without the need to build their own success, some beneficiaries may lose their drive to achieve their full potential.
Generational differences: Different generations often have varying values, goals, and expectations. Bridging these gaps is crucial to maintaining family unity and a shared vision.
Entitlement issues: There is a fear that younger generations might feel entitled to wealth without understanding the hard work behind it. This can lead to irresponsible behavior and poor financial choices.
Succession planning: Without a clear plan for leadership and wealth transition, families can face disputes and uncertainty when it’s time for the next generation to take over.
Strategies for multigenerational success
Fortunately, there are concrete steps affluent families can take to overcome these fears and lay the groundwork for multigenerational success.
Family governance: Establishing clear governance structures helps in decision-making and conflict resolution. Family councils, constitutions, and regular meetings ensure that everyone has a voice and understands their roles and responsibilities. These structures provide a framework for managing wealth and maintaining family harmony.
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, emphasises the importance of family governance and structured management in his business operations. He has established clear roles and responsibilities within his family and business, ensuring transparency and accountability. By implementing family councils and regular meetings, the Dangote family can address issues collaboratively and make informed decisions.
This structured approach not only maintains harmony but also ensures the sustainability and growth of the family business. Aliko Dangote’s commitment to governance sets a strong foundation for future generations, demonstrating that clear governance is essential for long-term success and stability.
Regular communication: Talking openly and honestly about money matters is essential. Regular family meetings provide a platform to discuss financial goals, values, and expectations. This open dialogue promotes an environment where members feel heard and valued, reducing the potential for conflicts.
Education and financial literacy: Financial literacy is not a luxury – it’s a necessity for future generations. Investing in workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs should start early and continue throughout their lives. It equips younger family members with the knowledge and skills to manage their wealth effectively.
The story of the Elumelu family in Nigeria exemplifies the power of financial literacy. Tony Elumelu, a billionaire entrepreneur, is passionate about education and entrepreneurship. His foundation, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, empowers young African entrepreneurs with seed funding, mentorship, and training programmes. This focus on human capital development ensures that future generations have the tools to not only manage wealth but also create new opportunities.
Shared values and a lasting legacy: Wealth should be about more than just money. Families should discuss and define their core values and how they want their wealth to be used. Aligning financial decisions with these values create a sense of purpose and fosters a shared vision for the family’s legacy. Perhaps it’s supporting educational initiatives, environmental causes, or local charities.
The Rockefeller family provides a historical example of this approach. John D. Rockefeller, one of the wealthiest individuals in history, emphasized philanthropy, family unity, and education. He established Rockefeller & Co., a family office to manage wealth and philanthropic efforts. This facilitated regular family meetings and collaborative decision-making. The Rockefellers also implemented a family constitution outlining their values, mission, and governance framework. By focusing on education and shared values, the Rockefeller family ensured a smooth transition of wealth and influence across generations.
Preparing the next generation: Don’t wait until retirement to involve younger generations in wealth management discussions. Gradually introduce them to financial concepts, encourage them to participate in investment decisions (with appropriate guidance), and allow them to experience the responsibility of managing a portion of the family’s wealth.
Adaptability and resilience: Ultimately, the key to successful human capital investment lies in the family’s ability to adapt and remain resilient in the face of changing circumstances. Whether it’s navigating economic downturns, embracing new technologies, or responding to global crises, the most successful affluent families are those that are willing to continuously learn, grow, and evolve.
Professional guidance: Working with a trusted financial advisor can be invaluable. They can provide objective advice, help navigate complex financial decisions, and facilitate communication within the family.
Building multigenerational success is a journey, not a destination. It requires a conscious effort, open communication, and a willingness to adapt. By focusing on human capital alongside financial assets, affluent families can build a legacy that not only endures but also thrives, leaving a positive mark on future generations and the world around them.
Remember, true wealth is more than just money. It’s about creating a family unit that is strong, resilient, and prepared to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. By investing in human capital and fostering a culture of responsibility, affluent families can build a legacy that enriches not only their own lives but also the lives of generations to come.
Awudu is a Family Wealth Advisor at the Meristem Family Office and can be reached via: familyoffice@meristemng.com
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