“Family” gets thrown around a lot in organizations. Leaders have asked, “how can we use ‘family’ in our team culture, yet still maintain accountability to our mission?” In a word: thoughtfully.

Our organizations can be places where people belong and thrive. Our teams can be families. I think this is critical in a time when so many Americans come from disrupted homes. I personally experienced that in the Rangers (as did many of my Ranger buddies). I came from a broken home; we did the best we could given the circumstances and I love my mother and siblings for that.

When I arrived at the 2nd Ranger Battalion, my platoon became my family. The expectations were high, and the accountability was even higher. Rangers would get kicked out if they failed to meet the Ranger standards, which made us question at times how much of a “family” we actually were. Hell, I almost got kicked out as a young Ranger! But many good men left the “family” and were still loved. I left the 75th Ranger Regiment over 15 years ago. I never left the Ranger family.

If we are being honest, don’t we all have struggles within our families? I mean…is any family free of challenges?

“Family” does not imply perfection, it implies intention.

“Family” means showing up - imperfect, yet in earnest.

“Family” means picking up the phone when called upon, and knowing that someone will pick up the phone when it’s MY turn to call. “Family” means, “I will never leave a fallen comrade,” and so much more. “Family” means “no greater love (John 15:13)”. “Family” means YOU BELONG. Regardless of our differences.

Nothing in this world is perfect. If your usage of “family” in organizational culture is driven by care for people and the extension of belonging, then it stands to reason that “family” belongs because we all need to know that we belong - regardless of our imperfections, our issues, or our differences. We need to know we can err, learn, and grow. We need to know that we can part ways–when it’s necessary–and still love one another all the same, retaining hope for reconnection and return in the future. We need to know that when we are a part of the family, it’s a promise that is not mutually exclusive from accountability.

We need more family.

Be a family. Do life together. Give a damn about one another’s lives and give grace whenever possible. And know this: if your family or your “family” are imperfect, well that just makes you normal!

Cover Photo: 198th Infantry Training Brigade.