One way or another, running a successful startup is always about people. If you don't get the right team, or if your team doesn't get your ideas, you may find yourself doing things you once fought against with people you once steered clear of.
Building corporate culture at early stages is like walking on a wire; stepping aside from the course may become a point of no return.
Back in 2005, Intersog was a small business with only 13 people on board. But the values we created then still live, making our offices feel like home for what has become a company of over 210 specialists.
Here are a few rules set down by our founders in the old days. We hope our experience will help you reach perfect harmony within your organization.
1. Trust your crew
Trust is essential no matter how big and seasoned your team is. However, in startups it should be treated more like a tenet.
You can't do everything on your own; sooner or later you'll have to delegate. On top of that, chances are your team won't have enough time and resources for proper preparation and on-the-job training.
In such circumstances, you need to be sure that your colleagues are able to deal with any possible issue; otherwise, you'll soon have a heart attack.
In the long run, trust is the main ingredient of the most steadfast teams. Without it, achieving success is almost impossible.
2. Fire black sheep with no regret
When it comes to small teams as opposed to large companies, the impact of each person is enormous. One rotten apple can spoil the whole crop. In other words, one guy with a bad attitude can ruin everything you're trying to build.
People with poor skillsets or heavy minds are not the early problems. Idlers and abusers are the ones to get rid of, even if they are superstar experts.
While skills are like diamonds - they shine brighter the longer you polish them - problem personalities are more like old cheese - the longer you keep, them the more they stink. So sometimes it's better to say your goodbyes before anyone else gets sick.
3. It's OK not to be crazy
While your startup can easily become your obsession, some of your team may not share your passion. And that's totally fine.
Not everyone is driven by the spirit of innovation. A stable job that helps one maintain a comfortable lifestyle motivates some people better than balancing on technology's edge.
That doesn't make them bad contributors. Actually, in cases demanding cold math, they will perform better than devotees.
Make sure you have enough room for those with hot hearts and those with cold minds.
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Corporate culture is not only about how people feel about being a part of your team. It's also about how customers and potential recruits see you. It affects numerous domains of your business.
Make it your closest friend; otherwise, it will become your bitter enemy.
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