Does anyone else work for a family owned business?

Question

My manager is the owner and I find that he wants to be involved in every minor detail and decision which means that its difficult for me to get things done as I hardly see him.

Anyone else in a similiar position or have any advice on how to manage upwards.

Thanks

Answer 1

My manager is my father! His manager is my mother!

I have to remind them frequently that they pay me to do a job and they should let me get on with it, otherwise they aren't getting value for money!

You need to address this issue very carefully, the business is "his baby" and he probably finds it hard to hand it over to someone else. Gently remind him that he employed you to a job and that you need to get on with it.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I work for one now, I get to make alot of my own decisions because the owner is oftern not around. I can always get advice from them about how to handle situations but for the most part im on my own. This was not the case when I first started.

I think its best that you make your decisions and then the next time you see him then explain your decision and how it turned out. Once he sees you make enough tough decisions on your own he should give you more freedom. Remember that his personal finances are on the line everyday so family owned business people are very concerned with the well being of their company.

Answer 3

Very good question.

Yeah my line manager is the son of the owner. So of course when something goes wrong the son always puts his point across first & the Dad is always going to take the son's side.

Gonna hand my notice in on Friday after 5+ years.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I dont now but I used to work for a family business. To start with I thought it was nice and friendlier working for a small tight knit firm. However it all went wrong when I worked higher up and had responsibility for running the place (heating company) because the husband was taking cash from the business which the wife later discovered missing - he denied it and the wife obviously didnt want to believe that of her husband so blamed me !!!! I will never work for this type of company again x

Answer 5

My fiance's family has always worked together who ever is running the job always tends to find things to do that keeps him away from the job sight for obscene amounts of time. The keep in contact trough Nextel radio's. You should suggest to your boss that he invest in some. There is a low monthly fee, you can radio each other as often as needed, and bring across the point that it is tax deductible.

Answer 6

I made a vow to myself twenty years ago........ never work for a family owned business again

they strive to keep profits in the family and are very slow to give raises and bonuses

you will always have an ignorant family member promoted before you

you will never be part of their family

Answer 7

my mother owns a firework stand, I am the manager. soon I will take over the business. I also run a home business.
ask your manager for more reign in the business. tell him how difficult it is to get things done, and you were wondering if you could finish projects and then get his input. no harm in asking!!!!

Answer 8

I work for a family business but it is different from your situation. My bosses are very hands on but they let us make our own decisions. It is prob the best job I have had.

Answer 9

princes Charles Andrew and Edward along with sister Ann all work for family co .
advantage for them when they mess up mummy can bail them out