Having no clear boundaries for work caused me problems twice, once with a friend and once with a family member.
Eventually, I couldn’t align with my friend’s communication style and the way he thought about money and work.
When my family member was hired, I let my ego and arrogance drive the work environment.
Both times, I realized something was terribly wrong and ended the partnership. The people I worked with in both cases were close to me; they still are—but when personal and professional worlds combine without a foundation, things will go downhill.
You can set a solid foundation for your partnership by doing the following two things.
Element #1: Create a Playbook
A playbook is the foundation of the culture you want to have at work. Make sure you are clear about your work ethics and disciplines. These are things everyone you work with must align to. That playbook needs to be fair, open, and rational. You will not include anything you will not do.
Element #2: Create a Loopback System
Most relationships end due to poor communication or miscommunication. Loopback is asking, “Could you please repeat that task I just gave you?” This question makes the other person think and be mindful while repeating back everything you said.
The result is less friction, and the task and the goal become more important than the commands.
Add more elements to the two things mentioned here to build a strong foundation. Continually improve your foundation.
Don’t forget, though, to always keep your ego in check.
It’s okay to make tough decisions, but do so logically and mindfully.