Protecting family ties in a growing business
Around 70 per cent of small businesses are family enterprises. That is a powerful reminder of how much trust, shared values and long-term commitment drives the small business sector. Family businesses often benefit from loyalty, resilience and a strong sense of purpose.
At the same time, mixing family and business can be complicated. Personal history, sibling dynamics and unspoken expectations can influence decisions in subtle ways and can create conflict. When you work with relatives, you are managing more than a business. You are managing relationships that matter deeply outside the workplace too.
The good news is that harmony is possible with the right structure.
Know the risks
In family businesses, emotions tend to sit closer to the surface than in a purely professional environment. A disagreement about strategy can quickly feel personal. Long standing family roles can quietly shape behaviour at work.
Confusion about responsibilities is also common. A spouse may help with the business, without the benefit of a clearly defined position. A child may assume leadership will automatically pass to them one day. Without clarity, assumptions grow and resentment can follow.
Recognising these risks early allows you to address them before they damage both the business and family relationships.
Set the rules
A Family Charter or Constitution is one of the most useful tools a family enterprise can create. This is a non-binding written agreement that sets out how the family, and the business, will work together.
It can define roles, ownership structures, and expectations for family members who join the company. It should also clarify how decisions are made and how disputes are handled. Agreeing in advance which decisions require consensus and who has final authority reduces power struggles and conflict down the track.
When emotions rise, you can refer to agreed processes rather than arguing about personalities.
Clarify roles
As well as defining how the family works together in the business, it can also help to have clarity around individual roles and responsibilities within the company, as unclear roles can be a major source of tension.
Ensure you have documented job descriptions, set performance guidelines and make reporting hierarchy obvious. Scheduling regular, formal reviews can be useful to set expectations and provide feedback in a professional setting.
It is also important to separate ownership from employment. Being a shareholder does not automatically qualify someone for a management role they may not be suited for. Setting fair entry requirements and standards protects both the business and the credibility of family members within it.
Professional conduct is also important, even if you have worked together for years, it helps to treat family members as colleagues, which can be challenging at times.
Talk it through
Healthy communication is essential and regular, structured meetings can help keep business discussions focused and productive.
Encourage neutral language in disagreements. Saying, “I disagree with this approach because…” keeps the focus on strategy. Phrases like “You always…” quickly turns discussions into personal attacks.
It also helps to stay in the present. Old family grievances rarely improve today’s business decisions.
Get outside help
When tensions run high, external support can make a significant difference. A mediator, consultant or advisory board can provide objectivity and guide difficult conversations, particularly around governance or succession.
Seeking outside help shows commitment to the long-term health of both the company and the family.
Plan ahead
Succession is one of the most sensitive issues in family businesses. If it is not discussed openly, it can create anxiety and competition.
Start conversations early. Be transparent about what leadership requires and how decisions will be made. In some cases, professional managers may lead the business while ownership remains in the family.
Clarity builds trust and reduces misunderstandings.
Set boundaries
Clear boundaries between work and home life are essential. Try to protect family time from constant business discussions and create moments where relationships come first.
If conflict escalates, temporary changes in responsibilities or reporting lines can help ease pressure. Preserving the relationship should always be a priority.
A strong future
Family businesses have unique strengths, including long term thinking and shared commitment. But harmony does not happen by chance. It comes from clear rules, defined roles, open communication and healthy boundaries.
By managing both the personal and professional relationships with care, you give your business the best chance to thrive for generations to come.
Need help putting the right structures in place? Speak with Carrick Aland about building a family charter, clarifying roles and planning for a smooth future. Read more »
