Work culture – a term often thrown around, yet not always clearly understood. What truly defines work culture? And what separates genuine culture from mere buzzwords? Let’s hear from two CEOs to unravel the complexities and learn from their insights.
Recent research highlights the transformative power of a strong work culture. Astonishingly, 69% of senior leaders attribute much of their pandemic success to the influence of culture.
I had the privilege of speaking with two exceptional CEOs who possess deep insights into the realm of workplace culture. I’m recounting highlights of our conversations below, in hopes of inspiring other leaders who are wrestling with the “how” of creating a culture worth working within.
Illuminating the Path to a Customer-Centric Culture:
Matt Scheuing, CEO of SambaSafety
When we’re talking about truly excellent work culture, there are shining examples that illuminate the way forward. One such beacon is SambaSafety, a trailblazing company that has made customer-centricity the cornerstone of its culture.
I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with SambaSafety in the past and have witnessed first hand their unwavering commitment to excellence. I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Matt Scheuing, the visionary CEO behind SambaSafety’s success.
Matt’s leadership inspires a company culture that is deeply rooted in customer-centricity. At SambaSafety, Matt and his team put great effort into crafting an external statement that resonates with their mission and values, and then they turned their focus inward, adopting the mantra of “Confidence to Act.” This powerful philosophy empowers the entire SambaSafety team to enable the customer journey, with each member playing a vital role.
One thing I wanted to know when I talked to Matt was how his team managed to communicate “culture” to their new employees. I thought his answer was insightful:
How do you communicate culture? You storytell, and as the CEO I model the way. I’m not the owner of the culture – culture is not owned by one person or group. But I am the deputy of culture, and with that my charge is to set the example every day.
Matt’s advice for CEOs wrestling with company culture is to spend time specifically focusing on culture and to dig in and “get curious.” As Matt says, “Make it part of the conversation at the leadership level. It’s not just about what the team is getting done, but how they are getting it done.”
About SambaSafety
SambaSafety is a driving force in revolutionizing the realm of driver risk management. With a mission to make roadways safer and smarter, SambaSafety provides innovative solutions that enable organizations to mitigate risks associated with driver behavior. By leveraging data-driven insights, SambaSafety empowers businesses to proactively address driver safety, compliance, and fleet management, ensuring a safer environment for all.
Explore their groundbreaking solutions and gain further insights into their remarkable work: sambasafety.com.
Forging a Thriving Oasis of Collaboration:
Derrick Morton, CEO of FlowPlay
Forging a Thriving Oasis of Collaboration:When CTO Doug Pearson and CEO Derrick Morton embarked on their journey to establish FlowPlay, their vision extended far beyond conventional aspirations. As co-founders, their goal was simple yet profound—to create a workplace that would ignite their passion and excitement every single day.
It wasn’t about amassing wealth; it was about crafting an environment where they themselves would eagerly show up, driven by a deep sense of fulfillment. This foundational philosophy has shaped the culture at FlowPlay, cultivating an oasis of collaboration and trust.
I’ve been fortunate to get to know Derrick Morton and I’ve had the pleasure of observing the exceptional work culture cultivated at FlowPlay. I spoke to Derrick recently about the culture his team has established at FlowPlay, and particularly how that culture is communicated to a FlowPlay team that tends to look beyond the typical organizational hierarchy.
According to Derrick, the primary role of “managers” is to oversee employees because they may not trust them to work independently. However, when the right people are in place, they know how to perform their jobs, work autonomously, and contribute to the company.
While some companies may prefer “rock stars,” FlowPlay values collaboration. Rock stars often believe they are never wrong, but Flowplay seeks a team that listens and considers ideas from others. It’s essential to work in an environment where everyone contributes and works together as a team, rather than having someone who always thinks they know best. That’s why at FlowPlay, “coordinators” manage the work.
The company has operated on a hybrid schedule since its inception. Initially, they introduced “no meeting days” and later transitioned to two days in the office and three days remote. This approach emphasizes trust, as employees need to be in the same location occasionally to maintain a company culture. It’s crucial for team members to know each other personally and understand aspects of each other’s lives outside of work. According to Derrick, “It’s the personal connection that helps create a cohesive company.”
“My team has access to my calendar, even when I’m engaged in personal activities, such as spending time with my kids. This transparency allows team members to know my schedule. We like calendar transparency – I’m a believer that it will become painfully apparent if someone isn’t doing their work, as not everyone is suited for remote work.”
About FlowPlay
FlowPlay stands as an epitome of innovation at the intersection of gaming and technology. With a mission to create immersive online experiences, they have transcended traditional boundaries and captivate audiences and foster genuine connections in virtual worlds. At the heart of FlowPlay’s success lies a distinctive work culture grounded in trust—trust that permeates every aspect of their endeavors, informing their decisions and inspiring their collective achievements.
Experience the captivating world of FlowPlay and immerse yourself in their cutting-edge gaming experiences: flowplay.com.
Work Culture 2.0—Where Leaders Inspire Greatness
While their approaches differ, Matt and Derrick’s thoughts on culture underscore the significance of intentional culture-building efforts, celebrating achievements, and engaging in open and honest conversations to drive continuous improvement.
Their insights can serve as a roadmap for leaders seeking to foster cultures that inspire, engage, and drive their organizations forward, creating work environments that not only attract top talent but also unleash their full potential.
