Working With Siblings: Tips for Building Strong Family Business Relationships
At EFBC, family businesses are at the heart of what we do. More than 70% of our members are actively involved in their family business — and many work directly with their siblings.
Working with siblings can be rewarding, but it comes with unique challenges. From balancing family dynamics to maintaining professionalism, it’s a journey that requires trust, communication, and boundaries. We asked EFBC members to share their best tips for making sibling partnerships thrive in business. Here are their top three:
1. Communicate Honestly and Consistently
“My brothers and I meet monthly for lunch and follow the forum protocol by updating on family, personal and business challenges, or successes. We ask clarifying questions when necessary. While we are working, we shift hats a lot – from owners to siblings – and this takes some diligence. Especially when there are difficult or emotional conversations! Trust is a critical component of our success, and we continue to build trust by talking with each other, relying on each other, and caring for each other.”
— Gina Krusinski, Krusinski Construction Company, Owner and VP Human Resources
2. Seek Outside Perspective When Needed
“The best advice I have is that sometimes you need outside help. In a multi-generational family business, you only know what you know. It helps to bring in a set of fresh eyes to merge the goals of different generations within siblings. One sibling’s goals may be very different than another. When working on a strategic plan, 3 or 5 year, it’s important to examine all sibling goals with someone outside the family business in order to achieve alignment and understand what everyone is working toward for the future.”
— Susan Jania-Foley, Diamond Envelope Corporation, CEO
3. Prioritize the Relationship
“Having a healthy sibling relationship is the forefront of my priority, because at the end of the day, that family relationship will always come first for me with Andy. I believe that having open communication on ALL aspects of the business is integral. There should be no surprises! The other aspect of having a successful working relationship that I follow is professionalism. When stepping into the office every morning, my brother becomes my manager, associate, teammate, etc. Just as I would with any other colleague, I maintain a high level of professionalism with him at the workplace. Our discussions regarding personal matters are kept to a minimum at the office. It has been 1 ½ years since I have been working with Andy and feel that our business and personal relationship has been the strongest!”
— Nisha Patel, Systematics, Inc. Director of Human Resources
The Bottom Line
EFBC members show that working with siblings can be a source of strength when approached with honesty, outside perspective, and professionalism. While not always easy, it can be both rewarding and successful — for the business and for the family.
Learn More About EFBC
At the Entrepreneur and Family Business Council (EFBC), we equip business owners and their families with the peer support, education, and resources they need to succeed for generations.
Get in touch with us to learn more about membership or upcoming programs.