Last week I heard author Patrice Tanaka, http://joyfulplanet.com/books/, speak about the role that having a purpose has had in her life, and the benefit and importance of knowing one’s purpose in achieving success and satisfaction in life and career.

She mentioned that significant research reveals that “purpose-driven” organizations outperform “profit-only-focused” organizations. Personally I had no doubts about this, and was thankful for the confirmation

During her talk an audience member commented that she saw the purpose of life was to love and be loved –love the work you do and be loved for what you do–who you are.

Immediately, thoughts of purpose and love within family businesses came to mind. I venture to say that it is impossible for a family business to sustain itself through multiple generations without both.