Yes, of
course, you can also be inseparable with your family, have nothing but positive
interactions, and are able to tolerate each other, but there is a fine line
with the transition of going from a family member to a co-worker. Be aware of
the occurrences that may be a sequence of unfortunate events.
Photo by Buschap via flickr
Photo by Buschap via flickrDesperation Disaster
Okay, yes I
get it. You’re in a crunch. An unexpected termination or resignation was abrupt
and it quite honestly probably happened at the absolute worst time to have an
empty position. However, this does not constitute hiring a family member out of
desperation. Make sure that their resume truly does meet the qualifications of
the job description. You will thank yourself down the road if they do meet all
of the requirements. Respect yourself and company you work for when making such
an important judgment call.
There will be competition
Understand that your new-hire relative will have a target on his or her forehead the moment they step foot in the office. By this time, gossip has already started for others looking for ways to sabotage. How can we make them screw up so they look foolish? Be ready for continuous “one-upping” from all of the other employees, which we can only hope, may turn out positively through efficiently getting tasks completed. The new-person also may be referred to as an enemy, simply because the existing employees cannot talk bad about their boss to them in fear of them relaying that message to the boss.
Understand that your new-hire relative will have a target on his or her forehead the moment they step foot in the office. By this time, gossip has already started for others looking for ways to sabotage. How can we make them screw up so they look foolish? Be ready for continuous “one-upping” from all of the other employees, which we can only hope, may turn out positively through efficiently getting tasks completed. The new-person also may be referred to as an enemy, simply because the existing employees cannot talk bad about their boss to them in fear of them relaying that message to the boss.
Keep it professional
Sure crazy Aunt Susan went to jail last night again and you most recently found out that cousin Jason dropped out of school when both his parents graduated at the top of their Harvard graduating class. Does this conversation need to happen within the confines of the office walls? I’m going to go with probably not. The minute the clock ticks 5:01, those conversations are fair game. Just as you were expected to achieve the highest level of professionalism prior to when the new-hire began, keep in professional regardless the urge not to. Remember that you are on the company’s time and not working while on the clock can be categorized into stealing from the company.
Sure crazy Aunt Susan went to jail last night again and you most recently found out that cousin Jason dropped out of school when both his parents graduated at the top of their Harvard graduating class. Does this conversation need to happen within the confines of the office walls? I’m going to go with probably not. The minute the clock ticks 5:01, those conversations are fair game. Just as you were expected to achieve the highest level of professionalism prior to when the new-hire began, keep in professional regardless the urge not to. Remember that you are on the company’s time and not working while on the clock can be categorized into stealing from the company.
Don’t Bend the Rules
Absolutely no favoritism allowed. Even showing the slightest bit of favoritism towards your newly hired relative can create a hostile working environment. Other employees will find out, and believe it or not it is evident to everyone in the office. Other co-workers are aware that every time they pass the bosses door, they see the “new person” chit-chatting away every single time. Moral of the story, people notice.
Yes, no. Yes, no. Yes, no.
Just like peer pressure in high school, have the ability to say no. I promise you that your family member will not hate you for the rest of eternity. If it requires a little white lie to get you to that point of saying no, your secret is safe with me. We’ve all heard the horror stories of doing business with family members. On the flip side, hiring your relative may be single-handily the best decision you ever make. They may feel the pressure to impress and succeed within your company knowing they are working for someone they genuinely respect. Long story short, make a good judgment call.
Just like peer pressure in high school, have the ability to say no. I promise you that your family member will not hate you for the rest of eternity. If it requires a little white lie to get you to that point of saying no, your secret is safe with me. We’ve all heard the horror stories of doing business with family members. On the flip side, hiring your relative may be single-handily the best decision you ever make. They may feel the pressure to impress and succeed within your company knowing they are working for someone they genuinely respect. Long story short, make a good judgment call.
Your Call
Contrary to everything I just stated, some of the most successful companies are family oriented businesses. I get the convenience of having a family member on board your team: you know their history, less likely to steal from the company, will feel the pressure to perform well, you know they’re reliable, and they can’t really call in sick or make up an excuse as to why they weren’t at work without finding out the exact reason why.
Contrary to everything I just stated, some of the most successful companies are family oriented businesses. I get the convenience of having a family member on board your team: you know their history, less likely to steal from the company, will feel the pressure to perform well, you know they’re reliable, and they can’t really call in sick or make up an excuse as to why they weren’t at work without finding out the exact reason why.
Overall, use
your professional and personal expertise when it comes to deciding whether or
not to hire a family member. As many “Caution Beware” signs there may be, I can’t
help but grant the fact that it can turn out positively. The ultimate decision
is situational depending on the needs and wants of the company’s expectations. And if you aren't careful you might end up like another episode of The Office.
No comments:
Post a Comment