Long-Term Commitment.
We make a long-term commitment to supporting the family to develop its capabilities to manage issues having to do with their shared assets. This means that we prefer not to work with a family for a single event, such as a family meeting, but rather to work over time to develop the capability to manage their own governance and decision making.

Careful Matching of Client to Professional.
When we hear from a prospective client we match them with a professional who best fits their special needs. We assign two consultants to every family, to insure that they will always have a resource at hand, and that there will be mix of skills and styles that they can call upon.

Chemistry Meeting.
We begin by meeting face-to-face with the family to develop a basic understanding of the existing challenges and the family history. We explain how we work and allow the family to test the chemistry between our professionals and their family. We believe this is critical to the long-term success of the consulting relationship.

Proposal.
If we agree to move forward, we then prepare an extensive proposal for the family, outlining what we will do, with concrete deliverables, and a roadmap on how to get there. This is an iterative process, whereby we work with the client to define clearly what we will do and what outcomes to expect.

Assessment.
Our work begins with an assessment, where we get to know each member of the family and the challenges they face. We use proprietary learning tools such as the Family Enterprise Leadership System (FELS) and the Aspen Family Wealth Inventory. What we learn is shared with the family, and becomes the basis for our design of a roadmap for moving forward.

Positive Approach.
We do not prescribe pre-defined solutions. Rather, we raise difficult questions and assist families to address them in an atmosphere that is calm and neutral, yet sensitive and informed. Our positive approach supports families by building on their strengths to resolve difficult issues of gender, power and control in order to pursue their shared future. We want each family to develop the capability to steward themselves through future generations.