How to Avoid Work Dilemmas

Thinking of working with friends or family members in their business? Or, are you moving towards a career where they will become your supervisor in business?

These hints may help you avoid relationship work dilemmas and enjoy more success, while retaining healthy relationships.

This article offers assistance in making choices that will help your family life, mental health and well being.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Career
• Workplace
• Boss

1. 1

   Resist the impulse to further your career in a friend or family member's business. Take as much time as possible to consider this position and what it will mean for you and others. It may help your career but it could create a dilemma over time.

2. 2

   Realize that just because you will be working with friends or family, it will not necessarily equate happiness or career satisfaction. There may be more that lurks beneath the surface than you realize. And, a dilemma in the office may not appear immediately.

3. 3

   Treat your friend or family member professionally at home and work. Just as you would any other business associate. In fact, being a more cautious with your conduct and behavior could help improve your odds of avoiding a work dilemma.

4. 4

   Avoid gossip and steer clear of office politics. These are dilemma magnets. If you are approached, speak well of your supervisor and coworkers. Also, keep personal details such as social events and relationships out of your work conversations.

5. 5

   Hold meetings out in the open, perhaps in a cubical area or common area. Do not take up space others could use, a semi-private area will be adequate. However, You may consider meeting with your family member or friend when others are at lunch or out of the office if it is a sensitive or confidential matter. And, invite colleagues with you when you dine out or attend office parties.

6. 6

   Keep personal favors, perks or bonuses that others are not entitled to out of your office. This will avoid dilemmas and help build your team.

7. 7

   Leave family and friendship issues at home where they belong. Christmas gift exchanges should occur outside the office. Do not expect favoritism from your supervisor just because he is your relative or friend. This could create more than one work dilemma!

8. 8

   Keep the lines of communication open. Do not use email exclusively; meet face to face at work. Ask for feedback and reviews on how the arrangement is working. Encourage your supervisor or coworker to be honest and open. Solicit suggestions for improvement.

9. 9

   Stay positive, busy and upbeat. Keep workspaces or cubicles neat and organized. Contribute to a healthy work environment.

Tips & Warnings

• Show your boss or coworker you appreciate them. Let them know when they are doing good work!
• Know the rules and etiquette for your position.
• If you are dating, keep it outside of the office. Keep your relationship strictly professional inside work.
• Do not accept the position if you feel it might have an adverse affect on relationships. Jobs are easier to replace than family or friends.
• Discuss problems upon their arrival tactfully, do not wait.

on 8/28/2009 Good stuff. my brother was my supervisor for 3 yrs and i made sure that i worked just as hard for him than anyone else because i did not want him to look bad. 5*