Family Business/Succession

Difficult employee? Respond wisely
Employees are human. That means they are subject to human foibles and failings. You may even be more aware of this if they are family members. You can live with minor quirks, so you probably overlook them. But when an employee’s difficult behavior begins to affect their job performance or other staff and customers, a manager has a duty to intervene. (8/30/2010)

Hiring your kids pays off for everyone
If you're like most parents, you probably spend a great deal trying to meet the needs and wants of your growing children. If you run your own business, you have a unique opportunity to provide your children with a sense of responsibility and gain some tax advantages at the same time. The tax law allows you to hire your children as part-time employees of your business. If you give them age-appropriate responsibilities and pay them reasonable compensation for their time and effort, you can deduct their pay as a business expense. (8/16/2010)

Trouble with peers? Change your actions
You are a manager. There are other managers – your peers, and perhaps even your relatives – with whom you do not get along. You may view them as "difficult." They may view you as difficult, too. But you have to work with them. What can you do to ease the conflict and improve cooperation? (8/2/2010)