Listen "47 - Hiring Friends and Family Members"
Episode Synopsis
In this insightful episode, Kari Lotzien, a seasoned business and leadership coach, unpacks the complexities of hiring friends and family members in small businesses. Drawing from personal experiences and her work with clients, Kari provides actionable advice on how to make this sensitive arrangement work while maintaining professional boundaries and fostering business growth.Whether you’re a small business owner in a close-knit community or simply considering bringing a familiar face into your team, this episode will guide you on navigating the challenges and opportunities involved in hiring and retaining great employees.Key Topics Discussed:Mindset Triggers in Hiring Friends and FamilyCommon scenarios leading to these hires: personal compassion or business emergencies.How to step into the CEO role and evaluate decisions objectively. Keeping the Hiring Process Fair:Importance of treating friends and family like any other candidate.Why resumes, interviews, and reference checks are non-negotiable.Setting equitable standards to ensure a fair workplace. Defining Roles and Responsibilities:How clear job descriptions and boundaries support healthy relationships.Tips for balancing personal connections with professional expectations. Navigating Bias and Accountability:Recognizing and mitigating loyalty bias and the halo effect.Establishing systems and metrics to ensure fairness across the team. Planning for Sticky Situations:Preparing for potential challenges like performance issues or role transitions.The importance of regular assessments and open communication. Real-Life Examples:Kari shares a personal story about hiring her daughter during a peak business period, highlighting a couple of key strategies to making this work wellKey Takeaways for Small Business Owners:Treat every hire, friend or family, as a professional decision.Use systems and processes to maintain fairness and protect relationships.Plan ahead for potential issues, including how to handle exits gracefully.Special Offer:Take the Leadership Style Quiz to discover your strengths and receive personalized strategies and podcast recommendations tailored to your current business stage and your style of leadership.Work with Kari: Anchored Leadership AcademyPrivate Business and Leadership CoachingContact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor: Website: BeTheAnchor.caFacebook: BeTheAnchorLtdInstagram: BeTheAnchor.caLinked In: Kari LotzienEnjoyed this episode? Subscribe and share it with fellow small business owners who might benefit from these insights. Follow Kari on LinkedIn or visit our website for more resources on scaling your business and building a strong team. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
More episodes of the podcast Be the Anchor – Strategies and Support for Small Business Owners
REPLAY: 41 - How to Be a Better Leader
30/09/2025
67 - Grow your Online Business
02/09/2025
66 - Challenges in Leading a Virtual Team
19/08/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.