We Are Not a Family

The transformative guide to workplace dynamics that helps you understand yourself—and handle those around you

Is your boss acting like a critical parent? Does a closed-door meeting leave you consumed by paranoia? Are you compelled to overperform until you’re on the verge of burnout?

You are not alone.

We spend a third of our lives at work, yet we’re told to leave our emotions at the door. In We Are Not a Family, psychotherapist Elisa Morris and executive coach Nell Montgomery show us the reality: We don’t just bring our work experience to the office—we bring our entire emotional history.

In this groundbreaking book, the authors identify eight workplace personalities—from the Joker, who entertains to hide deep insecurities, and the Perfectionist driven by their inner criticism to the Gladiator, who seeks success at any cost—and show how understanding these patterns can transform every interaction in your professional life. You’ll learn how to:

• Identify your own personality and understand how it was formed in childhood. • Build stronger relationships by seeing colleagues for who they really are. • Improve leadership skills by recognizing unconscious patterns in your team. • Handle difficult situations without being overwhelmed by triggered feelings.

Packed with clinical insight, wit, and a practical tool kit for every personality, We Are Not a Family will liberate you from outdated coping strategies and help you show up as the authentic, confident professional you long to become.