Shared mission | Calling your team a family is toxic - consider this instead

We’ve all worked for a leader that espouses crude metaphors about how the business is akin to a family. It’s a classic analogy – however it’s totally and utterly incorrect to make such a statement.

Yes, it's a notion that implies unity, loyalty, and a shared sense of purpose. However, as times change and the dynamics of the modern workplace evolve, this metaphor is increasingly problematic.

The "family" metaphor suggests a level of commitment and loyalty that, in many cases, is neither practical nor desirable in today's rapidly changing work environment. You wouldn’t ask a family member to adhere to the stringent rules of a workplace. You also wouldn’t expect your boss to arrive at your house and help you repaint your kitchen.

The metaphor does a disservice to both sides of the equation. In implies an unhealthy and vague connection. So, for the leaders who need to ditch the “family” metaphor, what suits better? The answer, in fact, is a sports team.