Figure 1 shows a graphical representation of the system model. The diagram illustrates all possible elements that influence business succession. The area marked in blue represents the successor’s space, while the area marked in green visualizes the future space of the transferor after his or her departure. The transferor appears twice in the diagram: once as the owner (role) and once as an individual. The private space clearly represents the transferor’s personal assets, which are inextricably linked to the company’s value—which, in turn, is located in the successor’s space. Corporate value plays an important role not only for the entrepreneur but is also crucial for the successor. Corporate value embodies a sustainable business and, furthermore, provides the successor with opportunities for growth. The interplay between the entrepreneur in his role, the successor, and corporate value is accompanied by the life’s work within the successor’s space.
Within the systemic framework, it becomes clear that the life’s work is the element that introduces the greatest dynamism into the picture and serves as a point of reference for all other elements. The entrepreneur, in his role, desires a close connection to his life’s work and feels unstable in his position when the life’s work is out of reach. Within the succession context, the life’s work has a distinctly paralyzing and overwhelming effect on the successor. The position of the life’s work can both inject new dynamism into the system and act as a blocking force. The systemic picture thus raises the question of where a suitable place for the life’s work lies for all parties involved. There is also the possibility of reconfiguring the life’s work in smaller, more manageable parts. It is important to address this issue; if this is not done, the powerful influence of the life’s work can block the system and lead to failure.
This example vividly illustrates how crucial it is to engage deeply with one’s own succession system. In particular, the system map method—and, by extension, systemic organizational constellations—offer an excellent array of tools for addressing these issues in a holistic and systemic manner.
