Navigating Friendships and Family in Business: 5 Tips for a Successful Collaboration
The Excitement and Challenges of Working with Loved Ones
Embarking on a professional journey with friends, family, or partners can be an exciting adventure, brimming with potential - but it also comes with its own set of challenges. The special bond we share with our loved ones can sometimes blur the lines between personal and professional, requiring us to navigate this delicate balance with care.
Reflecting on my own experience, I once brought a friend into the workplace. During his first week, a casual glance at a folder containing sensitive information served as a reminder: clear professional boundaries are key to a successful collaboration.
While every business relationship is unique and depends on the personalities involved, let's dive into five strategies that can enhance these relationships without jeopardising personal connections.
5 Tips for a Thriving Collaborative Partnership:
1. Invest in the relationship
Take the time to define roles and responsibilities and agree on a decision-making structure before you start working together. This will set clear professional boundaries and reduce tension down the track. Understanding each other's working style, strengths, experience, interests, and personal development goals is also crucial. Show your loved ones that you care about them as individuals within your business, and watch them love you back even more!
2. Maintain Work-Life Balance
When you work with loved ones, it's easy for work-life balance to tip over. This can lead to burnout and resentment on both sides. To prevent this, be respectful and ask for permission before bringing up work outside of business hours. Remember, it goes both ways, so keep personal discussions like dinner plans or school pick-ups to lunchtime or after hours. Some of us can work 24/7, but others need to turn off their brains at 5pm for proper rest.
3. Manners matter
Pay attention to how you speak to each other at work! Even if you're used to barking at each other at home, when you're in a work environment, don't forget to use "please" and "thank you". Work is a very different place than home, and both of you would likely want to feel respected in front of colleagues and clients. Give each other personal space and respect each other's privacy at work.
4. Create a Positive and Supportive Work Environment
Foster a positive and supportive work environment by speaking positively, celebrating wins, and giving constructive feedback (think of it as a gentle nudge, not a full-on tackle). Schedule regular one-on-one meetings, just like you would with any other team members, to go through workflows, priorities, and any operational issues.
5. Relationship Check-ins
Set aside some time every few months to check in with each other. Discuss what's working well and what can be improved in your working relationship. Start the conversation with positive feedback, but be prepared for some difficult conversations. Shine a spotlight on how everyone is feeling and if the business is impacting personal lives. Make sure everyone still feels aligned with their work in terms of interests and personal development. Addressing these big issues head-on keeps the professional relationship happy and healthy in the long run.
Final thoughts
Working with loved ones can create an unbeatable team, but it certainly takes effort and respect. By following these tips, you can navigate the delicate dynamics of working with family and friends and achieve success while still maintaining a strong personal bond. Remember, entrepreneurship is not just about business; it's about personal growth and relationships too. Embrace the challenges and enjoy the journey together.
