“Work constitutes a foundation for the formation of family life, which is a natural right and something that man is called to. These two spheres of values—one linked to work and the other consequent on the family nature of human life—must be properly united and must properly permeate each other. In a way, work is a condition for making it possible to found a family, since the family requires the means of subsistence which man normally gains through work” (Pope St. John Paul II).

Working with family can be rewarding. Imagine sharing triumphant moments, navigating and overcoming obstacles, and witnessing a shared vision come to life with the people closest to you. I’ve been there, starting businesses with my mom and spearheading a ministry alongside her. It has been a journey of joy, learning, and growth. However, like any venture, it comes with its set of challenges. The blend of familial ties and professional responsibilities can be complex.

As Catholic women, we’re uniquely poised to make the experience of working with family a thriving means to live out our vocations. In this article, I’ll share some tips I’ve discovered from my experience to help you navigate the intricacies of mixing family and business.

Lean Into Your Feminine Genius

Our feminine genius gives us vital emotional intelligence through traits like receptivity, empathy, generosity, reflectiveness, and maternity. Far from being just “soft skills,” these gifts are strategic tools in the dynamic world of family business.

In family business, personal feelings aren’t left at the door; they intertwine with professional interactions. Tapping into our feminine genius helps us identify areas of opportunity, including subtle shifts in mood—hints of stress, quiet undertones of someone feeling undervalued, or barely noticeable signs of overwhelm. Addressing these issues quickly will do more than preempt business hurdles; more importantly, you’ll be able to respond to the deeper needs of your family, ensuring that both the personal and the professional realms thrive.

Establish and Respect Boundaries

When you mix family and business, it is essential to have boundaries in place. This means respecting work hours, defining downtime, and ensuring relevant family moments remain work-free. Think about it: You don’t want to dive into marketing strategies during Grandpa’s birthday dinner.

One tactic that has been helpful in my family is to use a “code word” for those times when work sneaks into personal conversations. In our family, when someone starts to cross the line into a business conversation during family time, we say “Frosted Flakes.” It’s a lighthearted way to pivot back to family talk without any drama. Incorporating little tactics like a codeword help you uphold business professionalism and be present during family moments.

Define Clarity in Roles

Working together means having a clear understanding of who does what. When my mom and I started working together, she compared our defined responsibilities to cooking. If everyone throws in ingredients without a plan, it’s likely to end in a disaster. Defining clear roles and responsibilities from the beginning is critical.

This principle holds whether it’s a family business or colleagues at an office. It’s essential to know your role and respect others’.

Throughout college, my brother and I worked at the same retail job. One day, he asked me to leave my “big sister” role at home. I was initially taken aback, because I thought I was helping him at work, but I was actually hindering his independence.

In work, as in life, defining and respecting roles and responsibilities is essential.

Fostering a Culture of Openness

Family relationships come with a unique dynamic. The depth of history, memories, and emotions can amplify the joys and the challenges of working together. This deep bond can be a valuable asset for understanding and working as a team, but it can also intensify misunderstandings.

Fostering a culture of openness is crucial when working with family members. It’s essential to address any issues or concerns quickly to prevent them from escalating into more significant problems. This proactive approach promotes a more harmonious work environment and prevents issues from overshadowing accomplishments.

When disagreements arise, approach them with sensitivity, take time to listen, and strive to understand and empathize. Your goal isn’t just to resolve a business dispute; it’s to maintain the integrity of your family relationship. In the grand scheme of things, your relationships as family matter most.

Celebrate Together

In business, especially when it involves family ties, the ups and downs are more intense. Overcoming obstacles is essential, but taking the time to celebrate successes is just as crucial.

When you hit a milestone, like landing a big client or launching a new product, ensure your whole family joins the celebration. They aren’t just wins for your business but for your family, too. Family bonds have the unique ability to amplify the joy of these moments.

Toasting to victory at a family dinner, going on a weekend trip together, or just spending an evening sharing stories and laughing can turn business achievements into cherished family memories. Furthermore, celebrating together does more than mark a happy occasion. It strengthens the bond of family members as co-workers, fosters a sense of collective accomplishment, and provides hope during tough times.

Celebrate your business successes, because they become memories that remind everyone of the shared journey, collective resilience, and more profound mission.

Remember Why You Started

Working with family presents its own unique set of challenges and rewards. When you hit rough patches, it’s essential to take a step back and remember why you embarked on this journey together in the first place.

Was it the built-in trust that comes from years of shared experiences? Was it the shared vision for the company? Or was it the opportunity to work closely with people you care about?

Keeping these core reasons in mind provides clarity during challenging times. They serve as a grounding force, reminding you of the unique advantages and beauty of working with your family. When faced with obstacles, revisiting your initial motivations can offer direction and inspire solutions that honor your family and the business.

Embracing the Unique Blend of Family and Business

Working with family creates a unique and vibrant dynamic. As Catholic women in business, we know we are not called to compartmentalize our personal and professional lives but intentionally integrate them. Our work is more than just a profession; it’s a way we live out our vocations. Navigating family business is about recognizing its inherent value and potential in our greater mission.

Natasha Lovely is the Founder of Aspen & Oliva, a premier personal branding agency and Founder of Catholic Daughter, a ministry that equips women to conquer the 4th commandment. Driven by an entrepreneurial and creative spirit, she purposefully integrates her expertise as a clinical therapist and storytelling marketer to guide women to architect, refine, and master an iconic personal brand that effortlessly transcends into all areas of their lives - professional and personal. Her work with individuals and Fortune 50 companies to develop talent has led to her positioning as an authority on personal branding, an expert in leadership development, and a champion of the multi-hyphenate woman. Through her passion for business, Natasha has propelled her mission to inspire women to design a life of beauty, champion all things good and true, and guide them to become thought-leaders in their fields. You can connect with Natasha through Instagram, LinkedIn, or natashalucia.com.