If you want to sell your business or pass it on within the family, at least two perspectives come into play. You are handing over your life’s work. You assess the value of your business based on the figures in your balance sheet, but also with your heart and your personal memories. So you see a certain value in your business—value in the truest sense of the word.
An interested buyer views the potential purchase of your business as a “management buy-in.” They ask themselves what this business is “worth” and what they can afford and are willing to pay.
And: A successor from within the family may have different interests and ideas about how he or she would like to take over the management of the company than you do.
Even at this stage, differing perceptions of value can arise.
People buy from people and negotiate with people. However, when differing positions, needs, and values clash, this can lead to the failure of a negotiation.
When can business mediation take place?
Business mediation doesn’t have to be sought only when conflicts have escalated or are already simmering beneath the surface. It can be utilized whenever all parties involved are committed to working together through dialogue to establish sustainable agreements. Think of it as support during negotiations.
How does business mediation actually work?
Mediation is a structured conversation. Your mediator guides you through this conversation and is equally available to all parties involved. You speak with one another in a confidential setting.
Through your dialogue, you strengthen your (business) relationship through tailored negotiations that take into account the interests and capabilities of all parties. And you do so cost-effectively and in the shortest possible time.
What can you do as an entrepreneur, manager, or employee to successfully resolve tense situations?
• The volunteers at the German Mediation Foundation are happy to visit you (virtually) to provide you and your colleagues with information about mediation free of charge.
• The German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs) have mediation centers. One of the largest is the IHK Mediation Center in Munich, which has its own pool of mediators.
• Seek guidance from experts during times of business change.
Business mediation is also already being used in the field of management consulting for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that specialize in “mergers and acquisitions.” This is because, in practice, there are often differing expectations and interests that can lead to conflicts and disagreements. Sophisticated project management—combined with mediation methods—facilitates and supports the transition for all parties involved.
