In Phase 1, we introduced key concepts and tools, enabling each family member to engage, discover, and act in a way that was most relevant for them. This strengthened family bonds but didn't change the relationship between G1 and G2. They were continuing to operate with G1 in the clear leadership role and G2 in the subordinate role.
With G1 still in the leadership role, G2 continued to face difficulties in phase 2. The children were in solid shape should they receive trust distributions; however, they were essentially mute regarding the opportunities for the family on a longer-term basis. They were showing up for three meetings a year, doing what was asked of them, but taking little initiative otherwise.
A big realization they had come to is how thoughtful they needed to be to protect the resources beyond their generation. Phase 3 focused around choosing to be accountable for the outcomes they designed and aligning actions to make it happen. A key component of this phase was instilling practices that enable the family members to continue to push on the edges of their comfort zones, to learn, grow, and achieve big goals.
