Tanning salons, like many small businesses face a unique challenge: managing family members. In a recent Smart Tan poll, 42 percent of salons said that one or more of their employees are family. Overseeing the day-to-day activities of your staff can be difficult enough without having to factor in the fact that your brother always feels like you’re lecturing him and your mom sure isn’t going to let you tell her what to do!

Dealing with family dynamics in the workplace adds intensity to sensitive situations, but your bonds with them may also prove a helpful advantage. Here are some tips to help you navigate the ominous task of being boss and blood:

Create Boundaries

Knowing where to draw the line in the sand can prevent a lot of discomfort and resentment down the road. When you’re working in the business, keep the focus on business. Family disputes and issues should be handles outside the workplace, but work related disputes shouldn’t be put off for personal time. If you want to successfully compartmentalize the aspects of your relationship, you can’t put off hard conversations.

Click here to read the entire article in the latest issue of Smart Tan Magazine online.