We Are Family”… Until We’re Not: Why Companies Must Stop Using Family Language
- Nov 20
- 1 min read
I read a post today from one of my LinkedIn connections saying to a new hire:
“Welcome to the family.” Lovely sentiment. Warm. Fuzzy. Feels great when everything’s going well...until it doesn’t.
When companies hit challenging times, they forget 'family' - it's every owner, shareholder, private equity investor for themselves.
Family members....sorry....employees and contractors get cut.
I don’t know any families that make their family members redundant - and blindside them in the process.
Do you?
Companies aren’t families.
They’re not meant to be.
And pretending they are creates a dangerous blur:
People stop setting boundaries.
They become blindly loyal.
They hesitate to push back.
They give more than they should — because “family.”
But work isn’t family.
Work is a professional partnership.
Partnerships are built on:
Respect
Transparency
Boundaries
Fairness
Psychological safety
Not emotional sugar-coating and guilt.
After 27+ years in this industry, I've seen the best and worst cultures.
The best cultures I’ve seen don’t need sentimentality.
They lead with honesty.
They act with integrity.
They treat people like adults.
So here's my advice to you when you hear that you're part of the 'family':
Find teams who value you.
Not families who claim you.
One empowers you.
The other collapses the moment the numbers tighten.
And be loyal to yourself. Stay ready for change...and...don't be afraid to go for that coffee to discuss a new role. Just do it!
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