How to Have a Drama-Free Family Business
Running a family business is common. When people aspire to have a business, they start by asking for help from family members. The only problem is that family issues might also affect business operations. If you want to succeed in running a family company minus the drama, these tips will help.
Always be objective
Make hiring decisions and based on objective assessments. Don’t get carried away by relationships. The dynamics at home must not apply in the business. Just because the mother does all the decisions at home doesn’t mean she will always be right in deciding anything related to the business. Everything must go through a regular process just like any other business.
Family succession must be established
The usual drama in family businesses stems from succession. Siblings end up fighting since they want to take over the ownership of the company. Parents must be clear about who gets to run the business and how the succession will take place. Again, it must be based on performance and objective assessment, like any other company.
Family issues should not be discussed at work
It’s natural for families to have problems. However, these issues must be discussed at home. You don’t want to discuss anything at work. It will affect performance and productivity. It’s also embarrassing if other employees and customers see the feud. Sure, being a family unit never stops, but professionalism should also be maintained.
Spend some time together outside work
Some families barely see each other due to how busy they are with work. You might think that you don’t have such an issue because you work together. The problem is you might also not see the need to go on a family trip. You believe that there’s no need for it since you’re always together. The truth is you also need time outside the work environment. It offers everyone a chance to take a break. It’s also an opportunity to bond as a family and not as co-workers. Everyone will return to work in a more positive disposition. Besides, even employees go on trips together for teambuilding and bonding.
Don’t treat your children at work the same way you do at home
Again, separate business from family. Just because you can talk to your children like a father at home doesn’t mean you will do the same at work. You should treat time like professionals. It will be embarrassing to get scolded at work because you can’t differentiate the two settings. You should also not judge your children with the mistakes they’ve committed when they were younger. The fact that they decide to help with the family business is already a plus. Allow them to grow and eventually take over the business.
You can’t afford to have family dramas when running a business. It could destroy everything you’ve worked hard for.
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