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In this section, a thought-provoking situation will be presented. In most cases, these situations will be real-life circumstances. Our readers will think about them and play them out in their minds or on paper, as they consider what they would do or should have done if these incidents actually happened to them in their businesses.

Being a good leader requires you to be able to react to unexpected happenings or developments. Our Silver Fox Advisors have experiences that they want to share with you that they have managed through, with the hope of providing you with some touch points so you can become more than a good leader, but a GREAT LEADER. 

There is an added benefit: if you respond to us and provide a reply to this situation, and your response is selected as the best, you will be awarded a seat at one of our Lunch & Learn events.

 OCTOBER LEADERSHIP SITUATION

You have recently taken over the Company that your grandfather started 50 years ago. Your father has been the CEO for the past 30 years, and now it is your turn to lead the family business.

Your business philosophies regarding growth and profitability are more in line with your grandfather, who believed in double-digit annual revenue growth and was OK with single-digit profitability growth in order to expand revenues. Under your father’s tenure, the Company had slow, steady growth, and profitability was above industry benchmarks. 

You want to grow the Company through expansion into new markets or acquisition of a similar smaller company down the street. You are not sure if the talent is in place at the Company to take on your more aggressive growth strategies while settling for smaller profitability goals.

What should your next steps be?

Please provide us a brief write-up of What are your next steps are. Send your write-up to Lynn Rosado at [email protected]

In our November 2025 Newsletter, one of our Silver Fox Advisors will provide a response to what he or she would have done and what precautions he or she would have taken in this October Leadership Situation. 

If you need assistance in becoming a better leader, I recommend you start by contacting the Silver Fox Advisors. Silver Fox Advisors are former or present business owners themselves, and they have leadership experience in running a business, and in some cases several businesses, and have dealt with unforeseen and unplanned situations throughout their careers. We encourage you to visit our website at www.silverfox.org to select a Silver Fox Advisor and also to learn more about the Silver Fox Advisors, as well as our great programs and community outreach endeavors.