John TiesoAuthor, Lecturer in Business Management| The Catholic University of America, Busch School of Business & EconomicsArlington, Va, United States
A few days ago, a friend and colleague of many years asked me a question I had not previously considered. He had a PM, with a new project, in the process of on-boarding a team. Among those he wanted for the team was a member of his family, recently graduated from college (Major in business analysis and management) and the PM figured this would be a good opportunity to gain experience for the family member. Good? Bad? Saving Changes...
John TiesoAuthor, Lecturer in Business Management| The Catholic University of America, Busch School of Business & EconomicsArlington, Va, United States
May 15, 2017 4:00 AM
Replying to Pier Luigi Calabria
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If it comes to "conflict of interests", it must be avoided, to give you a short answer.
Pier Luigi, I agree. Sometimes these 'conflicts' are below the surface, or unrecognized among relatives, and they really have to be well-thought out before the project starts to avoid embarrassment later. Thanks for contributing. Saving Changes...
Edward DanielsProject Manager| IndependentGlen Burnie, Md, United States
Combating the appearance of nepotism is hard but with a recent graduate, i am not sure it is such a big deal especially if it is an effort to get working experience. I think it is great to bring on-board a family member, however, care must be taken so other team members feel they are given equal opportunities as well.
I have known situations where the young family member was given extra opportunities and another where he was scrutinized more than his team members, it wasn't a beautiful picture being picked last after everyone. In an ideal situation I would work with family without a second thought. Saving Changes...
Farhad StanickzaiManager| Full Bright CoAnnandale, Va, United States
Apr 15, 2017 6:48 AM
Replying to John Tieso
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Great points here, especially the one of lesser qualified versus more qualified team members. Is it fair to team members that they have to perform the prioject work and also teach this new graduate 'the ropes', especially where it will soon be know that person is a family member of the PM? Doesn't seem like a win-win here to me.
I really liked this question, and I had it since long time. Based on my knowledge and experience, 1st it depends on the organizations rules and the application law, whether such senior staff is allowed to bring one of his relative, and after bringing the relative in which level jr, sr, or top, and how close are their relation, and whether he is working direct under his supervision or has another subordinates.
After found eligible by the organization rules, since he is very fresh graduate, needs to give him probationary period, after successfully passed, then he can go ahead with permanent or annually contract. Saving Changes...
Antonio FruciHead of the PMO| Aggreko UK LimitedDubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
It looks as the family member as no experience at all.
In this case I would avoid it,just to elude any kind of issue.
Better let him/her having some practices with other PMs,then I would eventually consider it just as any other one. Saving Changes...
Antonio FruciHead of the PMO| Aggreko UK LimitedDubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
*has,of course.
And just to add another point, completely agree with Liana Underwood,it depends on organizational culture you are working in. Saving Changes...
I would probably never put a family member on a team. As some have already mentioned, my employment prevents it. However, even it were allowed, the PM has to be able to direct and manage project team without bias. If the family member becomes an under performing team member, it places the PM in a difficult situation. I think it is better to have a peer give the family member an opportunity and let the peer know, to treat them as any other member of the team, without any special considerations to you.
I agree. If we consider a family member it creates an dual relationship with this member on the work ground and to maintain our professional execution style with out any relaxations it may not be possible all the times until or unless we are highly focused self actualized person. Saving Changes...
John TiesoAuthor, Lecturer in Business Management| The Catholic University of America, Busch School of Business & EconomicsArlington, Va, United States
This continues to be a great discussion, with many valid points, a number revolving around organizational culture. In several organizations i have known, it would be impossible for a project manager to have a family member on the team, due to nepotism rules; in others, it was frowned upon, or even actively discouraged without higher-level approval.
Perhaps, there is a middle ground here? Anyone have an idea on how to establish rules of engagement that might work? Saving Changes...
Julia CunninghamManager Project Management| BattelleRichland, Wa, United States
This is a bad idea in most instances, and certainly something I would do my best to avoid at all costs - either as a member of the "family" or if I could help it, as a member of the team. There are more than enough problems with people dynamics without adding another dimension. Saving Changes...
Tim PodestaDirector of PM/PMO| Former BP- now IndependentPenn, Bucks, United Kingdom
I personally don't think it is a problem if the process of recruitment and appointment is fair and transparent. My daughter joined the company I worked for and went through the full joining process. She is working in major projects where I used to work and where I was well known. In joining the company and working in projects she is fulfilling a strong personal ambition she had, so is very committed, and she is recognised for her own abilities. Being related to me has had neither a positive or negative effect and colleagues she works with if and when they realise the connection to me treat it as a good thing - as my daughter says - she would not have joined the company is I had not had a good reputation myself.
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1 reply by John Tieso
May 17, 2017 1:00 PM
John Tieso
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OK Tim, so now your daughter has become an integral part of the 'company team'. Are you ready and willing to have her on one of your teams without concern?
Saving Changes...
John TiesoAuthor, Lecturer in Business Management| The Catholic University of America, Busch School of Business & EconomicsArlington, Va, United States
May 17, 2017 1:58 AM
Replying to Tim Podesta
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I personally don't think it is a problem if the process of recruitment and appointment is fair and transparent. My daughter joined the company I worked for and went through the full joining process. She is working in major projects where I used to work and where I was well known. In joining the company and working in projects she is fulfilling a strong personal ambition she had, so is very committed, and she is recognised for her own abilities. Being related to me has had neither a positive or negative effect and colleagues she works with if and when they realise the connection to me treat it as a good thing - as my daughter says - she would not have joined the company is I had not had a good reputation myself.
OK Tim, so now your daughter has become an integral part of the 'company team'. Are you ready and willing to have her on one of your teams without concern? Saving Changes...
