A recent Wall Street Journal article noted that, while the effects of the pandemic have receded from many aspects of American life in mid-2024, investors continue to deal with dividend disruptions. According to the article, of the 187 U.S. companies that suspended dividend payments during the pandemic, all but 47 have resumed payouts. With the competing claims on operating cash flow from the perspectives of the family business and family shareholders, managing dividend expectations can be a delicate dance. Finding and forging consensus on what the family business means to the family can help make sure that everyone is at least dancing to the same tune.