Balancing personal relationships and work decisions takes effort, but it’s possible with the right strategies.
As many Filipino families know, combining family and business can be both a rewarding and meaningful journey. It brings a unique chance to build something lasting together, rooted in shared values and trust. Of course, with strong emotions and close bonds, there can be challenges—especially when it comes to money matters, decision-making, or generational perspectives. The good news? With the right approach, it’s absolutely possible to strengthen both your business and your relationships.
Approach #1: Assign One Leader Per Department
Many family businesses in the Philippines tend to operate with shared responsibilities, which can lead to confusion and even tampo or hurt feelings. To avoid this, assign one family member to lead each department—whether it’s finance, operations, sales, or HR. “Once we divided the roles by department, everything became clearer. I handled the finances, and my brother managed logistics. We stopped arguing about small things,†shares Mico, co-owner of a manufacturing factory in Cavite.
Approach #2: Don’t Be Afraid to Bring in a Neutral Voice
Sometimes, when you’re deep in the family dynamics, it’s hard to see things clearly. That’s where a neutral third party can really help—whether it’s a consultant, lawyer, or financial advisor. They can offer a fresh perspective, help untangle emotional decision-making, and keep things fair and balanced. It’s not a sign of weakness—it’s a smart way to protect both your business and your relationships.
Approach #3: Get the Next Generation Involved Early
If you want your kids to take over the business one day, don’t wait until you’re ready to retire. Bring them in early—even if it’s just through small tasks or shadowing you at first. This allows them to understand the business and its values while slowly earning their place. At the same time, consider implementing a solid succession plan now. This proactive approach ensures a seamless transition, giving younger members the direction they need, while providing older ones with the confidence that the business is in capable hands.
Approach #4: Switch to “Family Mode†During Breaks
In many Filipino families, the lines between work and personal life blur, so set clear boundaries during family time. Whether it’s during Noche Buena, a beach outing, or just an ordinary Sunday meal—leave the business at the door and just be family. “We agreed—no business talk during Sunday lunch or when we on vacations. That’s sacred time for us as a family,†explains Tina, a restaurant owner in Cebu.
Approach #5: Align on Your Core Purpose and Values
Start with your why—the core purpose behind why your business exists and what it stands for. This helps create a shared understanding of the bigger picture, so every family member is working toward the same goal. Ask each member to share their answers to questions like (1) What’s the future you want to create for your family business? (2) How are you going to achieve that vision? What are the actions you will take now? (3) What specific, measurable goals do you want for yourself and for the company This shared understanding creates a clear direction and ensures everyone in the family is working toward a common goal, whether it’s growing the business, expanding operations, or simply keeping the family bonds strong.
Do you work with your family? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!