How to Build A Successful Startup Culture

Building a successful culture among team members is incredibly difficult in any company, not only startups. When you’re in a startup, you have to build everything from the ground up, and the company culture is just another thing you have to worry about. But, fear not. It is actually good that you get to build the entire culture from scratch and create a company you are proud of.

Being a part of a startup has its ups and downs. You get to work with extremely talented people in small groups and build the project from absolutely nothing. This is both amazing and a little bit terrifying. Why? Well, you get to build something and watch it develop into something fantastic. However, on that rocky road, there are a lot of bumps. And only if you have a strong and successful startup culture can you overcome them.

That’s why startup culture is something you should think about right from the start, and not think of it as something unimportant that will be resolved along the way. Which coffee you’re going to get for the office is not important (well, don’t even know how true that is). But startup culture is probably the most important thing if you want your company to succeed. Of course, you need to work with some talented people to get through those bumps along the road. But, if those talented people aren’t motivated, loyal, and team players, you’re basically doomed.

Building a successful startup culture is extremely important for any business.

Whether you’re starting an oil business or a small bakery shop, your team is all that you have, and you need to manage it well. But, even when you realize the importance, how do you do it? What are the key elements of a successful startup culture?

There are many factors you should take into consideration, but here are a few we believe are the most important.

Determine your values.

Think about it. What do you value most? You need to think about yourself, and the way you want your startup to grow. Determine what your values are and how you want your company to function.

Do you want to have a dress code? Perfect! Then talk to it openly right from the start, and let everyone know that’s a part of the company’s culture. Do you want everyone to work in teams or separately? To be in the office or remotely? It’s all up to you.

The most important thing is that you think about all this before you start bringing in new people because it will be a lot harder to implement new rules once everyone is used to the way things were before.

And one of the most important things – if you want others to respect your company’s culture, you have to respect it too. Lead by example. When your team members see that you are working hard to build and maintain your company’s culture, they will follow.

Think outside the box. And encourage your team to think so.

When you work in a big corporation, you have your job description and you stick to that. However, when you’re in a startup those limits are not so visible. When you work in a startup, you need to think outside of the box, help out with other areas of the business and simply take risks.

This can sometimes be overwhelming, but that’s how you gain experience and develop. Both personally, and professionally. On the other hand, that’s how some of the greatest ideas come to life. If you believe in something, take risks and make it happen. Sure, it can be a little bit scary, but that’s how startups reach unthinkable limits.

Always be transparent.

When you work with a small group of people and spend most of your waking hours with them, you start to think of them as your family. After all, they are the people who are helping your idea become a reality, and you should show them the same courtesy.

They believe in you, and you should believe in them. Share with them your ideas, company updates, and other news which might affect them. That’s how you’ll have motivated and loyal team members who will give their best in order for the startup to succeed.

Transparency is always encouraged, especially in small companies like startups. Think of your team members as your family, and treat them right. Only together can you achieve and surpass the company’s goals.

Protect what you’ve built.

You and your team have worked hard, and it’s time to grow. You need to hire new people. This is where you have to be careful in order to protect what you’ve created. Both your product and the startup culture.

When you interview people, get to know them. Don’t only talk about their professional background, but also about their hobbies and opinions to see if they would fit your startup’s culture and if they would get along with other team members. That’s the only way you can protect what you’ve built and continue to grow.

And once you find the right person for your startup, make sure you onboard them properly so they would learn all about your startup’s culture.

Focus on effective communication.

Last, but definitely not least. Communication is extremely important and it goes right there with transparency. That’s how you build trust, and that’s essential for your startup.

How would you feel if you worked in a company where you were afraid to speak your mind and give suggestions? Doesn’t sound good, does it? Well, if you would not want this happening to you, you certainly don’t want your team members to feel like this.

Encourage your team members to share their ideas, talk openly and let them know that they can always come to you, no matter what is going on.

By having a strong and successful startup culture, you will be one step closer to achieving your goals. Your team members will be a lot more motivated to work when they see that you are giving your best, and when they feel like a part of a team. And all that comes from a strong startup culture.