Few family businesses survive
Three generations and fewer thrive.
In India families often split
In an unplanned acrimonious fit
Or occasionally by design.
And I suppose that is fine
If it averts a succession fight.
If you must split then do it right.
But if you are birds of a feather
And you want to flock together
You might learn a thing or two
From all our family went through.
Ardeshir Godrej was our founder.
I doubt you'd find someone sounder.
With locks, at first, he made his mark
One day he had a sudden spark.
He thought he'd make a better soap.
In time he did fulfil his hope
Eschewing all the animal fats,
Then rendered in stinking vats,
After years and years of constant toil
He made good soap from vegetable oil.
With vegetarians as you can tell
This idea went down very well.
As vegetable oils are very clean,
Many preferred it just for hygiene.
Thus separate businesses were started.
Now after our founder departed
His younger brother took in hand
Both businesses. Please understand
That this business separation
Was enhanced in the next generation.
With two different brothers now in charge
Though the eldest's role was still at-large.
Each business would do its own thing
Some coordination we could bring
With our ritual Thursday lunch
Where we discuss as we munch.
Working family members all
Respond to this constant call.
All are briefed and kept on board
This always led to much accord.
With the third generation
There was further separation.
The businesses had grown quite large
Professionals were now in charge.
In business there was constant churn
And we would always try to learn
The best of ideas to survive
And some of them helped us thrive.
A lot was learnt from CII.
And family management was very high
On their list of things to do.
And like today for all of you
We would dutifully send
A hoard of members to attend
The predecessors to this meet
We found some light amidst the heat.
So all of us then made a pact
And decided it was time to act.
A facilitator was brought on board
The principles were underscored.
A family council was constituted
All adult members were deputed.
Discussions could be frank and free
The facilitator could be met privately.
All family members had a say
Whether they work here or away.
In time unspoken doubts were cleared
Disputes were all deftly steered.
We can't say all was hunky dory
But still it is a happy story.
One area where we really scored
Was our family business board.
Legally this board can't bind
But practically all of us find
The FBB is all about
Group issues thoroughly thrashed out.
And with a good consensus reached
The formal boards when beseeched
Readily provide consent.
In order to receive assent
All proposals must be fair
And the FBB has to take care.
And who is on the FBB?
There are members from the family
All working members of 3G
And as observers you will see
The working members of 4G.
But I'm sure that you'll agree
That the strength of the FBB
Comes from the independent three
Who are all luminaries
And directors of our companies.
Philanthropy was then addressed.
The current status was assessed.
One family member was in charge
The others new little, by and large.
The foundation's annual plan
Was reviewed by the entire clan.
But it didn't end just there
Some younger members thought it fair
That companies engage as well.
To a team of youngsters this task fell.
Then Dasra and FSG
Surveyed each company.
And Godrej Good and Green was born.
And with this program we could spawn
Substantial benefits to both
Society and business growth.
And with this plan you can see
The useful role of the family.
The Godrej brand was used by all.
It was time to take a call.
Brand benefits all would take
But no one thought of how to make
A brand that was trusted, steady
Into something future ready.
A special team was put in place
To build the brand at a faster pace.
The brand could flee the company coop
And strive to help the entire group
How to build and how to use
And how to prevent any abuse
We're then debated, rules were made.
The brand that had become quite staid
Now began to come alive
And it will surely help us strive
To attain much greater heights
With bigger goals in our sights.
I'm sure that you won't be surprised
This story has been sanitised.
But in your questions if you probe
Surprise me with a flashing strobe
My guard may slip and I may tell
How things aren't always quite as well
As on the surface they may seem
But if you work as a team
And frankly learn how to tell
What's on your mind and listen well
Your problems you can overcome
You must accept that the sum
Of all the twigs is a sturdy sheaf
And that's our family belief.
