Relationships. Goals. Values. Love.
It all matters. And it all requires nourishing.
I was struck last night by an article titled, “Don’t F* Up The Culture,” written by Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb.
I’m not much into use of profanity for shock value, except in distinct circumstances where it really helps illustrate a point. And here it definitely does.
Brian touches on the sentiments of an investor who sees that all too often, a great thing goes wrong when it gets too big. Brian then presents his own exploration into how he could make sure that his own company did not fall into this same pit of disappointment.
And he brought it all down to culture.
While I agree that culture is the vehicle, it takes the values at the core to create a culture around. A point he illustrated well.
Brian had some striking things to say. Here’s what stood out to me most:
“…Culture is what creates the foundation for all future innovation. If you break the culture, you break the machine that creates your products.”
“…We build culture… by upholding our core values in everything we do. Culture is a thousand things, a thousand times. It’s living the core values when you hire; when you write an email; when you are working on a project; when you are walking in the hall. We have the power, by living the values, to build the culture. We also have the power, by breaking the values, to f* up the culture. Each one of us has this opportunity, this burden.”
“The stronger the culture, the less corporate process a company needs. When the culture is strong, you can trust everyone to do the right thing. People can be independent and autonomous.”
“Ever notice how families or tribes don’t require much process? That is because there is such a strong trust and culture that it supersedes any process. In organizations (or even in a society) where culture is weak, you need an abundance of heavy, precise rules and processes.”
– Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb
A thousand things, a thousand times.
It creates the foundation for the future.
When it’s strong, you can trust everyone to do the right thing.
When it’s weak, you need an abundance of rules and strict processes.
And it struck me how perfectly this illustrates our human need to:
- Hold ourselves to a life code, one that we never violate – whatever it is.
- Nourish the unity and relationships within our families, within our circles, within our culture as a society.
- And for simplicity through responsibility.
Everything in life is cycles and flow. But it all requires nourishment and commitment to keep going.
Our relationships. Our skills. Our bodies. Our money. Our society. Our trust.
Everything requires investment in order for it to be anchored and remain. It requires loyalty to ideals and to each other. It requires flexibility for flow and breathing room, while still maintaining a core of strength that is never compromised.
The perfect system.
I don’t know. Seems Brian strikes an important tone to give attention to.
Maybe you’ll agree?
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