How To Set Boundaries When Working With Friends

Effective team building tips!

There is nothing more exciting or potentially more stressful than working with people you know. Sometimes it can be the obvious answer to your problems and other times it can feel like an obligation at best, or a chain around your ankle at worst. So how can you hire someone you know without ruining the good thing you have going?

It's all about being CONFIDENT and CLEAR in your expectations to build a strong team.

Working with people you know adds an extra layer of complexity because personal relationships can influence professional interactions. When done correctly, this can lead to a highly motivated and cohesive team. However, the key is to set clear boundaries and expectations from the outset. This doesn't just apply to people you know well, by the way, but it is most important with the people with whom you have a personal relationship.

#1 TEAM BUILDING TIP: For the people closest to you, it's critical that you lay out clear and measurable ways for them to know they are doing a good job. This lets them perform with confidence and clarity so they can be proud of a job well done and it creates a boundary so you can offer clear direction and correction without it feeling so personal.

DO have clear and quick feedback right from the start so there is no ambiguity about what is expected!

DO NOT wait to comment on something that isn't quite up to par. It's unfair to ignore issues that occur at the beginning of someone's employment and then tell them months later that they have been doing it wrong the entire time. That is the fault of the boss, not the employee if you are not crystal clear about your expectations!

Working with close family or friends can be tough, even for people who have a strong relationship with open and honest communication in their personal interactions. But sometimes the best person for the job is the person you already love and know well! These partnerships can be very fruitful!

So how can you hire someone you know without worrying about ruining your relationship? Here's my next tip!

#2 TEAM BUILDING TIP: Create clear work boundaries from the start (or make them now- it's not too late!) Keep business questions only to Slack or email. Don't talk about work off the clock. Even if your work bestie is your spouse, there needs to be a way to "clock out" of work-related stuff and "clock in" to the other parts of your relationship.

You lead the way in setting and keeping this boundary! Trust me, everyone feels better when there are clear places and ways to communicate about work that don't involve late-night text messages. It's up to you not to get offended if an employee pushes back when you reach out after hours.

You must set the example and be willing to receive feedback if you unintentionally cross the line!

The upside to working with people you know is that nobody will fight harder for your dreams than people who are cheering on your success. Bringing in your closest pals can be like fuel to the already burning fire and multiply your efforts through loyalty, clear understanding of your vision, and a reliability you might not find in others.

As someone who has worked with a family member for over a decade, I can tell you that finding a way to champion each other's dreams has been one of the most rewarding and meaningful things I have had the opportunity to do in my life. It can work, but you have to take boundary setting seriously and then, you can enjoy the good stuff!

#3 TEAM BUILDING TIP: Establish a professional environment, even if you’re working out of your garage or a small office space. This means having proper workstations, scheduled meeting times, and an environment that separates work time from leisure time. When you and your employees walk into the workspace, there should be a clear transition from personal mode to work mode. This separation helps maintain professionalism and ensures everyone is in the right mindset to be productive and focused.

Additionally, having a structured work environment can help mitigate misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is aware of their roles and responsibilities. Clearly defined job descriptions and regular performance reviews can further support this structure. It's important that everyone feels they are contributing to a professional operation and not just helping out a friend.

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When you integrate these practices into your hiring process, you'll find that working with people you know can actually strengthen your business. It's all about clear communication, setting expectations, and maintaining professionalism. By doing so, you not only preserve your personal relationships but also create a thriving work environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to succeed.