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You've heard the sayings 'married to the Business' and 'the Business is their life'!  'The Business comes first!'  

Sound familiar?  

But what happens when not everyone involved has that view of work and life, particularly in a family Business?  

You may be the owner, manager, patriarch, parent, or sibling. This multi-wearing of hats can and does easily blur the lines between personal and business lives, identity and roles. This lack of clear boundaries and expectations is one of the biggest challenges facing Family Businesses. 

Why are clear boundaries so important, and how can we set them? 

• Setting boundaries is important, as it gives your family Business structure and a framework with roles, responsibilities and accountability.  

   

• It is more difficult to maintain professionalism when boundaries are undefined or unclear. Lines and limits get mixed up. Personal issues can creep into the workplace, and business matters can follow you home. This lack of delineation can lead to conflict, cause tension, and strained relationships within and outside the business.  

• This resentment and frustration can fuel disharmony. Common situation: 'Bill works long hours and weekends; sibling Jack doesn’t. Jack says he has a life beyond the business and puts in his full effort within a scheduled working day! Both get the same remuneration. 

How to set clear boundaries:  

Begin by scheduling a Family Business Meeting; importantly, invite all members. 

Set a clear agenda with Topics and, meeting purpose and aims. I.e. why and how to set clear boundaries.  

Start with a conversation about what is working and what isn’t. Encourage and allow all members to contribute to the discussion. Topic examples; 

• Define distinct roles and responsibilities. Have formal job descriptions for all members to avoid favouritism or nepotism. This also helps with accountability and transparency. 

• Set designated working hours. Establish strict times to avoid business and personal life and interests spilling over. Don’t problem–solve work issues at family gatherings. 

• Separate personal and Business personas (identities and expectations). 

• Create an Organizational chart. This not only acts as a profile, guide and record of roles and responsibilities; it can also portray and strengthen the Business image. 

• Adopt work-life balance practices. This is about creating a healthier space for you, the Business and your family members. Everyone needs time-out to avoid burnout. To strengthen this balance, look at sharing the load by delegating; respect time off, time out for everyone, including yourself; schedule formal Business meetings to keep everyone informed, aligned and supported.  

• Be flexible. Your Business can change and evolve, as will your family. Avoid stagnation, same-old and blinkers.  Boundaries and rules may need to adapt to respond, to better serve the interests of both the Business and family members.  

Takeaway

Remember, it's all about balance, respect and valuing what is important to you and your family members. Honest, open conversations are vital and key to this success.