There's no easy solution for the potential problems except frank and ongoing discussions of roles, expectations, and consequences. Those involved must often separate their personal ties from their work relationships and mutually decide how they will operate in each sphere. It's no surprise that many family firms, as well as partnerships begun by friends, eventually disband—often with a big bang—because the relationships are so complex and the tensions so extreme. It can be helpful to enlist outside assistance from an executive coach who specializes in these matters. Such assistance can help
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