I prefer the "we're not a family, we're a sport team" analogy. You're (1) together to achieve a specific goal and (2) expect everyone to perform to accomplish that goal.<p>There are similarities: you come together in times of difficulty. You have fun together. You support each other.<p>There are difference too. In a family, roles are diffuse. In a team, they're specific and critical. You don't, and can't, fire your uncle for his bad, racist jokes. You do fire that asshole at your workplace. A good team will understand everyone has slumps and challenges, but at some point, if you can't perform, you don't play.<p>A team comes together to play, to win. It's voluntary and it's goal driven. When I go to work, I want to be part of team. When I go home, I want to be part of a family. There's an important difference.