Why Saying ‘We’re a Family’ at Work Can Backfire

Choose your metaphors carefully, because in business, words create expectations you can’t always keep.

EXPERT OPINION BY ANDREA WOJNICKI, EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION COACH AT TALK ABOUT TALK

Illustration: Adobe Stock

The family metaphor is common at work. “Welcome to the family!” “He’s my work husband…” “You’re like a daughter to me!” “That’s our parent/sister company.”  As a communication coach, I warn leaders to be careful with this metaphor. Words matter. 

The problem with the “family” metaphor at work 

As I’ve written........

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