A LETTER FROM CHRIS SUAREZ

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

The world needs deeper relationships, a stronger sense of community, and more connected families. That is obvious to all.

Family comes with some obligation. We might think of that distant relative that you have dinner with a couple times a year or you see at the reunion or anniversary party. They are there because they are family. You might think about the brother or sister or son or daughter or parent that you continue to make allowances for and accept and help because, well, they are family. There is definitely a place for that. It’s why strong communities are built around strong families. It is why the family unit historically has taken care of the next generation when they are young as well as the previous generation as they age. There is some level of unconditional love and acceptance of your family. A family is there to nurture and to support and to protect.

A team, an organization, a business is different. Every team needs a level of commitment and accountability that addresses a path for those that just don’t  show up. High performing teams are absolutely conditional. There is a condition of performance. There is a condition of expectation. There is a condition of commitment. There is a condition of mutual help. There is a condition of contribution. Unconditional love or acceptance is not a guarantee.

When a business or work environment refers to their team or group as a “family”, there has to be some definitions provided or some adjectives added to describe the purpose. A business is there to deliver a mission or to execute a plan for the customers, the employees, the owners. The mission and execution is what was chosen as unconditional. Otherwise the word “family” becomes a cultural aspiration which can quickly lead to an acceptance of poor performance. When the mission is non-negotiable, then making excuses for others becomes a risk and a weakness.

Executing on a mission can absolutely lead to incredible relationships - bonds as strong as family. But whereas we accept mediocrity or lack of initiative or inconsistency from family, it’s impossible to do so when building a business. 

So what are the conditions for the team and its members? 

What are the conditions for your partnerships?

What are the conditions for your business relationships - internal and customer facing?

What are the conditions for yourself to know that you belong on the team?

Being clear on each of these conditions will make for incredibly strong and healthy businesses. These businesses will attract and retain great talent. These businesses will deliver exceptional products and experience desired returns. These businesses will be focused on the vision and execute on the mission. The side benefit will be working relationships that are life-long and fulfilling.

Family is unconditional. 

Teams are absolutely conditional.

Chris Suarez