Culture | Scaling Your Startup S2 E7: 15five's David Hassell & Balloon's Amanda Greenberg | E1221

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Culture Building
from 15Five shares his insights on building a robust company culture. He emphasizes the importance of clarity in foundational values and the need to communicate these values consistently. "You have to have clarity of the foundation. You really can't leave these things to chance," he states 1. Hassell outlines a five-step process that includes hiring and firing based on core values, instituting habits and rituals, and measuring the effectiveness of cultural initiatives 1. He believes that culture requires leadership and design, and every member of the company should own it alongside the CEO 2.
Psychological Safety
Creating an environment of psychological safety is crucial for employee well-being and productivity. discusses the application of Maslow's hierarchy of needs in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of safety, belonging, and esteem 3. "How do I create psychological safety? How do I create an environment where people feel like their strengths are aligned with their role?" he asks 3. Hassell also highlights the need for honest feedback, advocating for a culture of "truth with kindness" to foster open communication and trust 4.
Values & Engagement
Values and employee engagement are pivotal in maintaining a strong company culture. stresses the importance of peer recognition and accountability to counteract negativity bias 5. "Create a culture of peer recognition... that'll create a really positive environment," he advises 5. Hassell also warns against the dangers of cultural drift, urging leaders to consistently steer the culture back to core values 6. He suggests hiring cultural contributors rather than just fitting into the existing culture to enhance diversity and innovation 6.













