Research in neuroscience has found that emotions are present in everything we do, including decision-making. In families, feelings can run strong, and emotions are always entangled in arguments. As a result, advisors need to engage in emotional discovery, a basic evaluation of critical areas of family life, such as partner relationships and parenting styles. They also need to assess the basic emotional disposition of family members—or what neuroscientists call core affect—which helps in understanding each person’s behavior.
1. Assessing Partner Relationships and Parenting Styles
2. Charting Core Affect
Using your best judgment, place an “X” in the circle that generally fits the temperament of each family member.
“Happy” and “Unhappy” refer to the basic disposition. “Active” and “Passive” refer to the intensity of the disposition.
Tips & Tactics
Tap into these actionable resources that are designed to help you enhance your client relationships and grow your business.
A Family Core Values Meeting
Learn how to effectively communicate with clients with insights from Lazard experts. Explore the power of value narratives.
Facilitating Family Meetings
From planning to monitoring, learn three simple steps you can take to conduct a successful family meeting. Explore tips from Lazard experts.
Emotional Discovery
Explore the power of emotional discovery in client relationships. Learn how understanding clients' emotions enhances relationships and trust.
Communicating Your Value to Clients
Learn how to effectively communicate with clients. Explore the power of value narratives with Lazard experts.
7 Steps for Bettering Your Relationship-Building Skills
Learn seven steps advisors can take to improve their interactions with clients. Explore advice from Lazard experts.
When Push Comes to Shove: Dealing with Family Conflict
Learn strategies for dealing with family conflict with guidance from Lazard experts. Learn techniques to balance assertiveness and cooperation.
3 Investment Ideas
Taking an active approach to portfolio construction can help investors navigate opportunities during uncertainty—and feel more secure. Explore the ideas we think you should consider and why.
Advisor Resource Center
Lazard’s Advisor Resource Center features our most recent perspectives and insights to support your client conversations and your business's growth.
We are committed to helping advisors improve their business and prepare their clients for the future. Please contact your Lazard Regional Consultant or our Sales Desk at 1-800-823-6300 to learn more about our value-add offerings.
Important information
Published on 18 March 2024.
This document reflects the views of Lazard Asset Management LLC or its affiliates ("Lazard") based upon information believed to be reliable as of the publication date. There is no guarantee that any forecast or opinion will be realized. This document is provided by Lazard for informational purposes only. Nothing herein constitutes investment advice or a recommendation relating to any security, commodity, derivative, investment management service, or investment product. Investments in securities, derivatives, and commodities involve risk, will fluctuate in price, and may result in losses. Certain assets held in Lazard’s investment portfolios, in particular alternative investment portfolios, can involve high degrees of risk and volatility when compared to other assets. Similarly, certain assets held in Lazard’s investment portfolios may trade in less liquid or efficient markets, which can affect investment performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed herein are subject to change, and may differ from the views of other Lazard investment professionals.
This document is intended only for persons residing in jurisdictions where its distribution or availability is consistent with local laws and Lazard’s local regulatory authorizations. Please visit www.lazardassetmanagement.com/globaldisclosure for the specific Lazard entities that have issued this document and the scope of their authorized activities.
Get In Touch
For questions or inquiries, please contact our Client Service Team to speak with a representative at 1-800-823-6300.