Small businesses can often feel like family. Small staffs typically lead to close working relationships and lifelong friendships. Workplace bonds can be strong in and out of the business, but this blurring of the lines can lead to problems. It’s easy to forget work related friendships are built on a common professional foundation. When this basic rule is disregarded, problems can develop. Often employees and their managers may find it tough to be accurate, logical and fair in their attitudes and working relationships because of the closeness and intimacy they have experienced over the years working side-by-side in a small firm.
I asked some SBTV.com viewers and members of our online community, Small Biz Central, if they encountered this challenge. Several have faced similar circumstances in their companies and they shared some tips on easing these situations. Everyone seems to agree, it is good to discuss issues openly and candidly. Note the impact relationships and behaviors are having on the firm, other employees and the individuals themselves. Often, a sit-down talk with all parties involved will take care of the problem. However, I recommend scheduling a follow-up meeting just to ensure things are going smoothly. Sometimes an experienced human resource manager or similar consultant may be helpful in resolving issues and making the workplace less personal and more professional
These meetings will not only get employees talking; the sit-downs will build trust among the staff. As a small business owner or manager, staffers will appreciate your action to address a topic almost everyone is aware of, but afraid to tackle.
Your small business team can be like family in many ways and we all know families have disagreements. But if you handle the personal differences in the right way, they can build stronger bonds for your business.
Learn more about dealing with workplace conflict in your business on SBTV.com’s management and legal channels. You’ll even learn how to deal with tears on the job from expert Patricia E. Adams.
