Have the right people on board. This does not mean hire your friends.
Figuring out the best people for your company is a tricky skill that only gets better with practice. But do not, under any circumstances, assume that just because someone is your friend they will make a good business partner. In fact, this could potentially spur a toxicity on top of whatever else is going on in the life of the company.
Hire new people with relevant skills, and you won’t ever have to worry about souring an old friendship.
COMMENTS
Raymond Watson
April 11, 2013This is very true and it applies to hiring family members as well. No matter how distant the relative, there will always be an unspoken "rule" that you as a manager have to be more lenient towards family and friends whom you work with. I don't mean to say that you shouldn't treat all your employees fairly and with respect, on the contrary of course, but somehow, it's a lot more awkward when reprimanding family or friends for a job that was poorly done. I learned this the hard way!