11.8 THE SKILLS YOU NEED TO BE A GREAT BOSS: Managing Friends and Family Members

(SHORT NOTES FROM TEAM MANAGEMENT:

Managing Different Groups of Workers at http://www.mindtools.com)

 

Balancing Personal Relationships at Work

It can be difficult to work alongside close friends and relatives.  A number of issues can affect your ability to work successfully with friends and family.  Unlike the relationships you have with other team members, the bonds you share with these people are intensely personal.  Some difficulties would be:

·        difficult to be rational, fair, and objective

·        difficult to preserve good friendships and family relationships

·        tempted to change your management style

·        provide either too much guidance, or insufficient feedback on poor performance

·        cause you to discount their ideas quickly

·        be more critical of them than you would be with other team members

·        favoritism is a risk with friends and family

·        can cause conflict and low morale in the rest of your team

·        can harm your reputation

·        exceptional employees may leave your team

·        can also alienate and annoy your team members if you make decisions or discuss work issues with friends or family members outside of work

·        a challenge to motivate and manage them

Strategies for Managing Friends and Family

Think Carefully Before You Hire

Agree on Objectives

Set Boundaries

Compensate Fairly

Provide Regular Feedback

Be Honest With Your Team

Craft a Role That Works