The Feeling of Family

“So, you want your team to feel like a family, at least an extended family?” I asked.

Andre was thoughtful. “You have heard the expression, familiarity breeds contempt? That is the behavior I see. Petty grievances. Subtle discord. You would think that, as a family, they would get along better and, in turn, be more productive. I want them to work together, collaborate, support each other, you know, real teamwork.”

“All, noble ideas. But, could there be a paradox? Could it be, that effective group collaboration, teamwork, does not stem from a feeling of family, but rather a clear recognition of individual team members, each with individual accountability in clearly defined working relationships? Could it be structure that creates the feeling, not the feeling that creates the structure?”

One thought on “The Feeling of Family

  1. Bill Kent

    mates,
    the answer to Tom’s question in Par. 2 is YES!
    I also prefer not to use the term “family” but rather the word “Team”…. for the obvious reason: you can fire a teammate but cant fire your family…. they will always be your family, no matter what!
    Dr. Bill Kent
    9546732058

    Reply

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