The idea of squabbling with family member while trying to run your business – on a daily basis – sounds like a nightmare scenario. But we discover why they can be of great benefit to you: from having an ‘all in it together’ approach, to helping create a more casual working environment.
Who’s adding value?
Each family member must add value. This means ensuring they have a ‘proper’ role suited to their skills – not a ‘sympathy’ job – which is clearly defined in writing. “It’s a good idea for them to gain outside experience, so they can bring in new ideas,” explains Phil Mitchell, a director at business adviser Harbour Key.
Establish ‘work’ and ‘family’ boundaries
Business can dominate personal and home life, and business disagreements quickly become personal, so boundaries are vital. Establish weekly business meetings with a clear agenda where personal and family matters are set aside. “Give equal weight to the views of non-family members present and consider inviting a third party such as your solicitor or accountant to facilitate,” suggests Mitchell. Someone such as a non-executive director can bring fresh ideas and facilitate creative thinking.
Family workers are not servants, nor are they MD…
Treat family members fairly – don’t take advantage of their affiliation and enthusiasm. It’s important, though, to avoid favouritism, so pay levels, progression, expectations, criticism and praise should be even-handed across family and non-family employees. This also means defining and adhering to clear management reporting lines. “I see many instances where family members feel they can reprimand employees who do not report to them,” concludes Mitchell.
Set out a united front
Many businesses strive for a united front among employees, but when you’re working with family this should come more naturally. It’s not difficult to believe that colleagues who are related are more likely to be looking out for each other than those that aren’t.
Gemma Young, CEO and co-founder of UK property tech startup Settled, works alongside her brother Paul, who is chief marketing officer and also co-founder. In research undertaken by Love Energy Savings, Young explained that the “unwavering strength” they have as siblings means “we’re kind of stuck with each other no matter what”. “Regardless of any outcome, he’ll always be my brother!”
Less ill communication
Working as a family means that decision-making can be undertaken in a more fluid fashion, and that family can be more forgiving if mistakes are made – removing a barrier of office politics that can get in the way of doing business.
“We can get on with driving things forward, when others might still be trying to understand their working relationships,” Charlie Field, deputy chairman of funeral planners CPJ Field, told Love Energy Savings researchers.
“You can also make decisions that are as much about the quality of life for those working in the business rather than just focusing on financial performance.”
You are also much less likely to misread a family member, which can be difficult to avoid in other types of working environment.
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