30 Years In Business – blog series: How to work with family in business (and not hate each other!)

When family members work together – either in a partnership agreement or in an employer/employee scenario – it can be a match made in heaven. Or it can be a real-life nightmare.

Think about it. When you work with family, you have all the benefits of knowing each other well, trusting each other, and knowing you all have a common goal.

However, it can also lead to emotional issues, resentments, or clashes of personality/clashes of ideas.

Family business success

The key is to manage every phase of your working relationship in a respectful way that allows everyone involved to maintain a very strong personal relationship both inside and outside the firm.

If you plan to involve family in your own business, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep everyone on the path to success.

Family owned – Family operated

Quickmail is a family owned and operated West Australian Business.

Jean Paul Tedeschi founded the company back in 1992.

Then in 2018, his daughter Sophie Stott took over the Management of the business and Jean Paul stepped down from a full-time role to being an advisor to the current Managing Director. 

This November, Quickmail are celebrating 30 years in business – yep, 30 years

So, they know a thing or two about running a successful business – and how to work with family and not hate each other!

And now, Jean Paul and Sophie share some advice about working with family.

9 tips for working with family – and not hate each other!   

Please enjoy these tips – and reflect on any others you might add.

1.Understand why you are in business and build around that

If you can all understand the business objectives and mission, it is much easier to look at things factually rather than with emotion – and it’s much easier to develop measurable goals for your business, and you can accurately define the strategies required. Usually these will be decided by the founder but over time can be influenced by other family working in the business. Its important to communicate these objectives with each other.

2. Family businesses provide for family

Quickmail has always been about providing for the family, to have a good life but not one of excess.

This means we have always focussed on providing a good service and making a profit but not getting ahead of ourselves. All growth has been carefully managed in a sustainable way, so as not to burn and crash out.

3. When having discussions, focus on the idea, not the person

When someone has a suggestion, it’s important to analyse that and not take it personally when the idea may be thought through.

By focusing on the idea rather than the person, who can stay focussed and think through with your brain rather than with emotions.

4. Don’t hold grudges!

Everyone has bad days and it’s important to remember that. Move on and remember the end goal of the business.

5. Speaking of which, remember, you all have the same ultimate goal

As we discussed in our first tip, if you can all keep the ultimate goal/s in mind, it’s much easier to focus on what’s important, and find respect in each other.

6. Take time when you need it

Everyone needs space, especially in a family business. Give others the space they need and make sure you take time yourself.

7. Good communication will help too

Good communication is critical to prevent misunderstandings.

Listen attentively when someone is talking to you, learn to express yourself clearly, and be open to feedback.

8. Respect your family and compromise

Being able to show each other respect – even if you disagree on some things – is important. Knowing when to compromise is also important.

9. Document correctly

It can be easy to fall into verbal agreements when working with family. However, it is even more important for family businesses to have everything documented and written out. This can help to protect the company from any issues with misclassifications, but it also ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding responsibilities, payment and general expectations.

With Quickmail, it just works

Quickmail have been making mailing, printing, warehousing and distribution make sense for three decades. They help eCommerce businesses to store, pack, and send their goods, as well as offer printing, mailing, and distribution services.

Check out what we have to offer and contact us to find out more.

Get in touch with Sophie today to discuss how Quickmail can assist you: (08) 9493 0477 or sophie@quickmail.com.au

www.quickmail.com.au