Family Values in Business: Good or Bad? | Monday Morning Musing #10

The idea of family values in business sparks mixed reactions. Some people recoil at the thought of a company claiming to “be a family,” seeing it as unnecessary, a manipulative ploy or an unrealistic expectation. After all, a workplace is not a true family. You’re unlikely to donate a kidney to your colleague or get into a heated debate over whether a Jaffa Cake is a cake or a biscuit over Christmas lunch.

But I understand the sentiment behind it. It’s about fostering a strong sense of belonging, shared ethics, and guiding principles. Elements that go beyond just being “a team.”

I have loved many sports from a young age. Sports provide a great analogy. Even in individual sports, where success is rarely achieved alone; there’s always a team supporting the athlete. Championship winning teams often describe themselves as a family or having a family like connection. That includes the good (camaraderie, shared goals, and support) as well as the bad (bickering, disagreements, and drama). It’s the deep rooted trust, commitment, communication and shared vision that make them successful.

I love family. I believe that more family, whether in our personal lives or within the teams we build, is generally better than less. While I might not explicitly call Merryoaks a family, I’d like to think that the values we uphold provide structure, guide our decisions, improve communication, and foster a sense of belonging and identity that will keep us strong for the long haul.

So, is family in business a good or bad thing? Perhaps it depends on how it’s framed. If it means undue expectations and blurred boundaries, then it’s problematic. But if it means shared values, trust, and a strong foundation, then I believe it’s a force for good.