Clean Language | Familylabs

Spencer · 2025-03-19T15:54:40.427Z

Reflection Questions: 1. Clean language is a questioning technique that is designed to minimize assumptions and biases. It focuses on using the other person's words and tries to encourage reflection. The method is used in coaching and therapy to explore thoughts and feelings without external interpretations. 2. The traditional questioning techniques always include assumptions or suggestions, where clean language strictly uses the person's own words and very neutral questions to guide them to deeper reflect on certain topics. 3. The challenges I anticipate with clean language would be trying not to add personal bias when questioning and resisting the urge to offer solutions or any advice when you should just be listening. Mapping the governance: 1. I would describe the family business as following a governance structure where the key decisions are being made by senior family members without a formalized board or documented policies. 2. Some challenges I have identifies are: 1. There is a lack of a clear succession plan - there is not a structured process to transfer the leadership, creating uncertainty for the future. 2. There are blurred boundaries between family and business roles - decision making is being influenced sometimes by a mix of personal and professional criteria. 3. I would envision the ideal governance structure in the future by establishing a formal advisory board, with both family and external experts. Further, implementing clear succession planning to ensure smoother leadership transitions in the future and also having clear roles and responsibilities within the business.

Reflection Questions:

Clean language is a questioning technique that is designed to minimize assumptions and biases. It focuses on using the other person's words and tries to encourage reflection. The method is used in coaching and therapy to explore thoughts and feelings without external interpretations.
The traditional questioning techniques always include assumptions or suggestions, where clean language strictly uses the person's own words and very neutral questions to guide them to deeper reflect on certain topics.
The challenges I anticipate with clean language would be trying not to add personal bias when questioning and resisting the urge to offer solutions or any advice when you should just be listening.

Mapping the governance:

I would describe the family business as following a governance structure where the key decisions are being made by senior family members without a formalized board or documented policies.
Some challenges I have identifies are:
1. There is a lack of a clear succession plan - there is not a structured process to transfer the leadership, creating uncertainty for the future.
2. There are blurred boundaries between family and business roles - decision making is being influenced sometimes by a mix of personal and professional criteria.
I would envision the ideal governance structure in the future by establishing a formal advisory board, with both family and external experts. Further, implementing clear succession planning to ensure smoother leadership transitions in the future and also having clear roles and responsibilities within the business.