I was at a meeting in Hartsdale, NY at the local diner and I overheard a conversation between two other individuals. The gentlemen were discussing the dangers and hazards of running your own business. The only thing that I actually remember specifically is when one of the men said very sternly to the other gentleman, "Family and business do not mix." That sentence was really the only thing the men said that stood out, and stuck with me all day. After that, I started thinking. I own 2 businesses, one of which was started by my father, and work with my family. I began to wonder about that statement, who came up with that little adage and why they started saying it in the first place?
I understand that working with, or employing family, can be a particularly touchy topic. In my particular case, there have definitely been fights, arguments and disagreements, but we never cross certain lines. We all believe that family has to come first. You cant place money or business before familial relationships. But I'm not in any way, shape or form saying that working with your family is easy. I do wonder, however, if there any success stories. What I mean is, are their any happily ever afters?
It doesnt matter what kind of business you're in, if you are in business with family, it's complicated. Where, just for example, does one draw the line between your family and your business. When you work with family, critiques are taken more personally, suggestions can turn into insults, etc., etc., etc. You really do have to walk a fine line between the two. I would rather have a relationship with my family than lose it all over a business matter. It really is complicated, though. But its all I have ever really known. I assume that the whole matter could get more complicated, messy even, but I think that's when you have to look down at your feet to see if anyone "crossed the line".
When all is said and done, that one short statement that I overheard in the diner made me really aware of the dangers that could potentially be involved when you work with your family. I don't think that old saying would be an old saying if it didn't have any truth behind it. Working with your family is one of those things that you just have to continually work at, always being aware of the different dynamics. I'm almost positive that no one has it perfectly figured out, I just thought I would put it out there in the blogosphere.
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