That's how I worried others would think of me when I became the head of the Norwegian branch of my family's company.
I was 'just' a trained sailmaker, I thought.
And who knew how I would perform in a company with a high level of specialization, a large turnover and many employees?
The uncertainty was much greater because I had NEITHER formal management training OR a detailed contract.
If you're a family member without the 'right' educational credentials, a well-crafted contract will make an extra positive difference.
You'll feel more confident when you can check off clearly defined goals as you achieve them.
And senior management will be reassured that you deliver at the same level as an employee with formal management training.
The contract cannot and should not replace a training certificate.
But the parties have a unique opportunity to crystallize the 'family candidate's' strengths and weaknesses and translate them into responsibilities and objectives WHILE the contract dialogue is ongoing.
This creates a common understanding of what the candidate brings to the table - with or without a diploma.
