Four Keys To Note Before Hiring A Friend

Based on the fact that people have different sides to issues and we have our own reasons to some decisions based on previous experiences and personal perspectives. So I use this week’s edition of celebrated CEO to reflect on an opinion poll. The topic is something common in business and we've heard so many inspiring stories  about how some friends came together to work on a project or a business(forming productive synergy), and how some friends split and became enemies as a result of business issues and money matters.

We decided to hear other people’s view before we place our own opinion on the table. Therefore, we pushed the topic out on the social media and this was what people on Google+, Facebook and twitter had to say about the issue.

After all said, either as a boss or subordinate, mixing friendship and work has many potential pitfalls. Before you hire a friend — and more importantly, before going to work for a friend, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons and the pros and cons work both ways, either you’re the one to hire a friend or a friend wants to hire you.

Make it official

Of course, hiring a friend doesn’t always have devastating consequences. If you have worked in the same company before and now are teammates again in your new business, it can be a great fit for both sides. You already know each others work ethic and that can be a plus for the new business.

“When a friend asks you to come work for him or her, it can indeed be a great feeling of recognition and support,” said Dr Lorraine Tilbury, (founder of personal and professional development firm HorsePower International based in France’s Loire Valley), in an email  (Source; BBC Capital).

Both sides of the equation

If you’re the one being hired by a friend, be sure to examine the opportunity as objectively as possible, you need to evaluate whether it is a good job for you, independent of the fact that your friend works there. There is a chance of being biased because of the desire to work with your friend and in the real sense you might not be realistic about the job. Say for example, have you considered things like salary, the commute, advancement opportunities and whether it’s a challenging position or if it's a kind of job that really interest you.Sometimes, friends want to help you out and can end up offering you to do something for them that you don't feel is the best ‘fit’ for you, just as for any other potential employer, reflect on the pros and cons of the job offer.

Get it in writing.

No matter how well you think you know the person, you need to get all of the details of the job in writing before you start, you may be very good friends now but if you fall out later then you want some proof of the original agreement. Ask questions like;

 How well do I know this friend?

Do I trust him or her in business?

What happens if it doesn't work out?

Some conflict is bound to happen, no matter how strong your friendship is, disagreements will inevitably arise, so it's essential to talk about how they will be addressed.

Doesn’t have to end badly.

It is important to ask the same questions you would ask any “boss to be”. Before saying yes, ask yourself the following: Are you comfortable with a hierarchical relationship at work?Are you willing to back your boss even if you disagree? Do you clearly understand what your goals and expectations are ahead of time? “Your job matters almost more than your relationship with your friend-boss,” said Wellins. “I know many people who dislike their job but still like their boss. Who you work for is critical but not everything. People end up working for their friends every day... In most cases things just work out fine.”