Family Matters! So Does Business - 5 ways to keep your family & Business Flying
Family Matters! So does Business can be read from start to finish in just a couple of reasonably substantial sittings. I like that about it. For busy people this book is not too time consuming, while at the same time it leaves you with plenty to ponder.
It may take a bit longer than a couple of sittings if you take notes and jot down any learnings as you go. I did a bit of this but in a very shorthand fashion. Alternatively, a bite-sized approach fits well, with the book broken into manageable and relatively self-sufficient sections.
Pete O’Keeffe delivers his thoughts in a conversational manner but with genuine conviction. It’s personal and practical, including some nice quotes and stories to illuminate ideas or to demonstrate how to get started or how obstacles might be overcome.
As I sifted through the messages and ideas, I inevitably began questioning how well I manage my own balance between family and work? I don’t think many, or any of us, get the perfect balance, but it certainly made me think a little more about what I prioritise.
I don’t think Pete expects all aspects of the book to be embraced by the reader and the suggestion that quality time with family is not enough but that the quantity should also be prioritised is possibly too demanding for some people? The reality is that there is only so much time available but making the most of the time when sharing of a cup of tea or having dinner together can certainly help to stay connected and attentive to family members. I know with our kids the taxi service and chats in the car on the way to school or sporting events was another potential ‘quality window’.
I’m also not a goal setter but I think that setting goals suits a lot of people. By writing down what’s really important and having a vision it offers better clarity, as well as being helpful in staying motivated. The thoughts on goal setting were useful with regard to helping my kids as they try to work out what’s most important to them and then having a plan to achieve those things.
In the drive for success, I think there’s a balance. As Einstein suggested, “Try not to become a man of success, rather become a man of value", and that would certainly be a consideration for me when giving support and guidance to my kids.
The book is not a complete guide to finding your own balance, rather a collection of starting points and guidelines that can help the reader to construct their own framework for better communication and collaboration at home as well as in the work place.
With the plethora of life coaching books available, there is probably not one that is going to be the perfect fit, but reading Family Matters! So does Business offers a great opportunity for readers “to mine an ounce of gold" amongst the ideas proffered allowing them greater awareness and clarity about the way they plan, work and achieve what’s really important in the home and in their business.