The sentiment behind calling your team a family is beautiful. But in reality, it’s not the best idea. Team is better terminology. Here’s why:
Families:
- Can be dysfunctional.
- Can enable each other.
- Are always family — even if they perform poorly.
“Family members” can have a sense of security, a feeling they cannot get fired, and a reason to slack off. Families don’t win Super Bowls or World Cups — teams do!
Teams:
- Win! (Or lose, and then try really hard to do better next time!)
- Learn how to work together
- Take constructive feedback
- Continually practice and seek improvement
- Can change (players get fired)
- Have clear leadership and hierarchy
“Team members” have to learn to work together. If they get complacent, aren’t performing, or display bad behavior — they get cut!
When you’re dealing with HR and performance-related issues, it’s much better to be dealing with a team member than a family member.
Go team!