The line between your professional and person life is thin when you share an office with your family. This means that family time easily shifts into discussing business, which can at times make the balance between separating work and family life difficult. Getting this right is essential for both running a successful business as well as maintaining a healthy bond. So there are things you to know for working with your parents to make a successful business.
My family’s pub, The Lord Dudley, has been in the family for two generations. A traditional red-bricked English pub, with a personal touch, we’ve always maintained the essential ‘kept in the family’ feel. As a part of this, there are certain rules I have learnt that you should always follow when trying to run a business with your family. So here are my five tips for working for your parents and getting it right.
1. Keep your ears open
You know that saying ‘parents know best’? That’s implied during work hours too. Always listen to what they have to say, even when you don’t want to. Paying attention is a wise decision because of the lessons you could learn from their years of experience. Everything that they have to say, whether it be in a 5 minute phone chat or 30 minute meeting, may help you have smoother business operations. This advice is essential in the long run as it could change the decisions you make.
2. Their achievements should be your goals
It’s true when people say that imitation is the greatest form of flattering. Make sure to take a mental note of all the things they do that you admire, so that when the business is in your control you are able to do the same. Building upon our father Jamie’s achievements is something my sisters and I strive to do on a daily basis as we continue to work together and manage the pub.
3. Learn from their mistakes
The best mistakes are the ones that you can learn from. This applies to both businesses as well as in life; our parents have led the way, meaning that we have had an inspirational scaffold to follow. Looking at their past mistakes helps to better understand what we should not let reoccur in the future. This can be seen in every aspect of the business, in particular when dealing with both customers as well as employees. It is imperative to make sure that you pay attention to what didn’t work for them.
4. The boss is (always) right
Learn to bite your tongue. Just because your parent is the boss, doesn’t mean that you can question all of the decisions they make. Make sure to take a stand for what you think will better the business. As a part of this it is important to realise they are the ones who have been doing it longer than you.
5. Family business is a good thing
Some people can’t imagine doing the eight or nine hour work day with their parents. However it isn’t as bad as people think it may be. Being able to balance work and family will make you a better employee and employer. As the general manager, I have learned almost all of what I know about the business from what my dad has taught me in some way.
