With the changing economic times, you wouldn’t want to hire any other person outside of your circle when your closest people are unemployed. Several people would love to see folks in their family grow at any cost, and would connect them to any opportunity that pops up. Others would however, prefer appointing others out of their circle, to avoid conflict or any interference in the business. According to Valentin Gakuru, the CEO of Ijabo ltd, involving family members in your new born business may be a risk factor “In my business, I don't base it on the emotions of friends or family when I am hiring or getting a partner, I base it on the ability. Mostly, family members and friends are not engaged in directly in my business but usually engaged in giving advice and mentorship in some areas” Gakuru says He however adds that, not all our relatives are rigid or in a position not to support, some maybe even be hard working than ourselves, identifying such potential is important. According to Olivier Tamba Niyigena, Founder and Creative Director of Revolution Workshop, business or company and the founder are two different characters. “Business and the founder have two different characters. Maybe both could somehow match since the owner shapes the brand. Companies have values and culture and I think everybody hired there should comprehend its missions, regardless who they are” Tamba says. He adds that when it comes to hiring, there should be competition and approval, rating on one’s performance. He goes on to say that if they are hiring, he wouldn’t hesitate to call his cousin for a new job opportunity and he will or not be approved, depending on his performance. Tamba says that when they are approved for their good performance, it is advised you first talk to them about a few things on how to keep it professional and avoid outside conflicts as families. He advises people to first separate themselves from their companies financially or tolerate a family member simply because they are family. Many people prefer not engaging their relatives into their business to avoid conflicts, but being loyal and honest will also prevent conflicts and guide one into not letting that employee who is your family member take advantage of that to ruin your business. For Sandra Mahoro, a management specialist, avoiding nepotism at work with your employee who is your relative will save your company from being ruined. “Nobody likes to be less treated than others. Nepotism refers to the human habit of treating family members more favorably than others. By doing that, keep in mind that your non-family employees will be hypersensitive to any favoritism you show to relatives.” She adds that managers should document performance without tolerance because, if an employee is a poor performer and they are not asked about it just because they’re listed in your family tree, you’ll make their poor performance contagious and the rest of your company will suffer from poor morale and your credibility as a boss will begin to lose its meaning. Avoid bringing up family affairs during work time, to avoid having things in common to keep you hooked up during working hours. Keep that hot gossip about your rich aunt after work. “Communicate to your family members that you must maintain a professional relationship at work. You don’t want them popping into your office and sitting on your desk during their breaks or having fake excuses to keep dodging their duties” If kinfolk keep popping questions on why you don’t give a chance to your relatives, be clear without emotions, after all it may be a coincidence that some qualify, at the end of the day, you don’t need to be that helpless uncle. “As a person hiring, you should give your relatives a chance and with being legalistic and frank, if that person fails, support them to finish their college if you can or give them capital to start their own business and provide guidance where needed.” Business News Daily suggests that you should carefully consider your reasons for working with family. Is it because you genuinely believe they will bring value to your business, or is it because they need a job and you feel obligated to help them? You must also consider your relationship with any family you hire. Can you maintain a professional relationship at work? You must be able to trust that your family member takes it as seriously as you do. If you hire a family member that ends up being a bit of a slacker on the flip side, you end up being a mean, unsupportive boss to them and you’re going to have problems that could seriously hurt your relationship.
