akcg culture deck (july '15)
TRANSCRIPT
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Corporate Culture‘The Way We Do Things Around Here…’
By: The AKCGlobal TeamLatest Adaptation: 19 July 2015
Permission to edit, distribute and adapt encouraged.
AKCGlobal
AKCGlobal – Culture Deck
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“To be confused about what is different is to be confused about everything. Thus, it is not an accident that our fragmentary form of thought is leading to such a widespread range of crises – social, political, economic, ecological, psychological, in the individual and in society as a whole. To develop new insights into fragmentation and wholeness requires a creative work even more difficult than that needed to make fundamental new discoveries in science, or great and original works of art. Suddenly, in a flash of understanding, one may see the irrelevance of one’s whole way of thinking....along with a different approach in which all elements fit in a new order and in a new structure.”
- David Bohm, Quantum Physicist
“It is a wonderful feeling to recognize the unity of a complex of phenomena that to direct observation appear to be quite separate things.”
- Albert Einstein
AKCGlobal – Culture Deck
The Way We Do Things Around Here…
akc.global
1. Mission – Our Reason for Being
2. Direction – Where We’re Going
3. People – Who We’re Looking For
4. Learning – How We Keep Sharp
5. Structure – Finding Order within Chaos6. Work – Freedom and Responsibility
7. Values – Measuring Success
8. Motivation – Why We’re Here…
Permission to edit, distribute and adapt encouraged.
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”
- Ralph Waldo
Emerson
AKCGlobal – Culture Deck
The Way We Do Things Around Here…
akc.global
This is a collection of things that are important to us. It’s how we know that we belong together – a tribal manifesto of sorts – and helps us recognise
when we’ve happily stumbled upon one of our own, or they’ve stumbled upon us. Because it’s
ours and we’re growing and figuring things out, it changes, adapts, and evolves too. We’ve no idea
what’s next. Yum.
When that happens, someone updates this. There’s not a form or permission, no ‘track-
changes’ or version control. We just do it because we learned something new and recognised it
important enough to include.
This is our introduction, touchstone and origin story.
Permission to edit, distribute and adapt encouraged.
“There is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things.
For the reformer has enemies in all who profit by the old order, and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit by the new order. This indecisiveness arises partly from fear of their adversaries, who have the law in their favor, and partly from the incredulity of mankind, who do not truly believe in anything until they have had actual experience in it.”
- Machiavelli,
The Prince
1. AKCGlobal Mission
What Do We Do?
“We help good people solve Wicked
Problems”[email protected] akc.global
No rights reserved - distribution and adaption encouraged.
“I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.”
- Thomas
Jefferson
1. AKCGlobal Mission
Why Do We Do It?
There are good people out there trying to save the world in spite of
itself, and selflessly fighting a ground war against overwhelming
odds and the forces of fear, mediocrity, prejudice, greed, evil
and stupidity.
We’re their air superiority, and
we’re here to make sure they’re not in the fight alone.
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encouraged.
“But ignorance is not altogether bliss; and in the field of learning, as in politics, it is only because some people are prepared to make trouble that anything of importance gets done.”
- H.A. Ayer
1. AKCGlobal Mission
How Do We Do It?
akc.global
We ‘guard the gates’, preferring to hire from those we’ve gotten to know, or get to know before hiring
We’re constantly teaching each other and learning, because knowledge builds insight and optionsWe’re not fans of hierarchy or titles because age or status doesn’t guarantee wisdom or creativity
We do incredible work by giving smart, talented and kind people incredible freedom and responsibilityWe put our values into practice by using them to decide who leads, is rewarded, and is let go
No rights reserved - distribution and adaption encouraged.
“If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts he shall end in certainties.”
- Sir Francis
Bacon
1. AKCGlobal Mission
How Do We Do It?
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encouraged.
Client >Company
> SelfWhen in doubt (and consistent with our values), put the client’s interests
before the company’s, and the team’s before your own
“If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts he shall end in certainties.”
- Sir Francis
Bacon
1. AKCGlobal Mission
How Do We Do It?
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encouraged.
Company > SelfDon’t solve for your personal interest
to the detriment of the team.
Client > CompanyDon’t solve for the company’s interest
to the detriment of the client.
“Some problems are so complex that you have to be highly intelligent and well-informed just to be undecided about them.” - Laurence J. Peter
1. AKCGlobal Mission
What Do We Do?
“We help good people solve Wicked Problems”
We – Nothing worth doing is accomplished alone
Help – Solutions must be evoked, not imposed
Good – Our work must build social value
People – For us, there is only the ‘bottom-up’
Solve – Name and treat the causes, not symptomsWicked – Someone else can handle the tame stuffProblems – We do good work, and then move on
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encouraged.
“The best, as well as the shortest way to find out what is good and what is bad is to consider what you would have wished to have happen had you not been Prince.”
- Machiavelli
1. AKCGlobal Mission
What Do We Do?
“We help good people solve Wicked Problems”
Knowing who’s “good” can be hard. We look for…
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encouraged.
• Someone who acts from mind and heart;• Objectives beyond just more money/stuff/power;• Measures of social and environmental impact;• People who see themselves as part of an
ecosystem;• Self-reflection or doubt, because orthodoxy is
scary;• Sacrifice that is shared, and for a greater benefit;• Bruises and scars from picking the right fights;
and• Fierce willpower and capability tempered by
humility.
"Hard pressed on my right, My centre is yielding. Impossible to manoeuvre. Situation excellent. I am attacking!”
- Ferdinand Foch
1. AKCGlobal Mission
What Do We Do?
“We help good people solve Wicked Problems”
[email protected] akc.global
We are a consultancy, but we work with a system of people, not just focused on ‘management’…
We are a business, but our priority is doing incredible work, believe that profit is a natural by-product…We are smart, but if that’s taught us anything, it’s that there’s so much more we have to learn…
We are optimists, but we believe that the best decisions about the future are made with cold facts…
No rights reserved - distribution and adaption encouraged.
“If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts he shall end in certainties.”
- Sir Francis
Bacon
1. AKCGlobal Mission
TL;DR – The Short Version
“Caliginem Pervincere”
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encouraged.
Latin: “Upwards, through the fog”
“They sentenced me to twenty years of boredom; For trying to change the system from within.
I'm coming now, I'm coming to reward them; First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin”
- Leonard
Cohen
1. AKCGlobal Mission
Who Are We? And Might You Be One of Us?
akc.global
We lean in and grin when challenged by a truly messy, complex and worthwhile problem…
We’re optimistic and believe that with hard work, the future is going to be better than the past…We’re troublemakers, but for good reasons, and to make things better in organisations and the world…We think different than most, in non-linear ways and have a knack for seeing patterns in chaos…
We care about what we do and the people we do it with, mixing heart and mind in equal measure…
No rights reserved - distribution and adaption encouraged.
“No wind serves him who addresses his voyage to no certain port.”
- Michel de
Montaigne
2. AKCGlobal Direction
Where Are We Going?
akc.global
Two-Year Goal – by 15 October, 2016
Maximise revenues without sacrificing values
Five-Year Goal – by 15 October, 2019
Employ the fifty best people we can find globally
Ten-Year Goal – by 15 October, 2026
Command influence sufficient to stop a war
Strategy and planning are important, but sometimes a good compass is more valuable than a map….
No rights reserved - distribution and adaption encouraged.
"If we would guide by the light of reason, we must let our minds be bold,''
- Justice John
Paul Stevens
3. AKCGlobal People
Who We’re Looking For
akc.global
We ‘guard the gates’, preferring to
hire from those we’ve gotten to
know, or get to know before hiring
No rights reserved - distribution and adaption encouraged.
“No great woman or man ever complains of want of opportunity.”
- Ralph Waldo
Emerson
3. AKCGlobal People
Who We’re Looking For
akc.global
We’re looking for smart, socially-conscious
high performers with little to no ego – “High-Capability”
1. They’re 10x (Netflix, General Electric) to 25x (Apple) to 300x (Google) more valuable than an employee of average capability in the company;
2. They can quickly step into and learn almost any role, particularly in an effectively-led team; and
3. They ‘self-manage’ much more effectively, reducing organisational burden and costs.
No rights reserved - distribution and adaption encouraged.
“No great woman or man ever complains of want of opportunity.”
- Ralph Waldo
Emerson
3. AKCGlobal People
Who We’re Looking For
akc.global
We’re looking for smart, socially-conscious
high performers with little to no ego – “Humble”
No rights reserved - distribution and adaption encouraged.
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
– C.S. Lewis
“For my money, I’ll bet on reason and humanistic kindness. Even if I am wrong I will have enjoyed my life, the existence of which is under little dispute.”
- Dan Barker
3. AKCGlobal People
Who We’re Looking For
Loyalty is important, it doesn’t substitute for personification of our values;
Hard work is the norm, adequate performance respectfully earns a generous severance package;
Brilliant jerks deliver, they aren’t worth the cost to group effectiveness, happiness and creativity;
Competition externally can be fun, when it’s within the team it just wastes energy, time and potential.
A great place to work is stellar people, but while…
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“If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts he shall end in certainties.”
- Sir Francis
Bacon
3. AKCGlobal People
Who We’re Looking For
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encouraged.
Peers >PerksWe’ve decided that:
The people we work with – the content of their character, quality of their work, size of their heart, and the
power of their intellect – are more important than a season bus pass.
“Here's to the crazy ones. The ones who see things differently...
They're not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status-quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify, or vilify them. But the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” - "Think Different" Apple Computers
3. AKCGlobal People
Who We’re Looking For
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encouraged.
We’ve learned that:
You can’t ‘think different’ if you’re too busy pretending to be the same as everyone
else.
Come as you are.
“Problems that are created by our current level of thinking can’t be solved by that same level of thinking.”
- Albert Einstein
3. AKCGlobal People
Who We’re Looking For
Consultant
Employee
AdvocateSign up for the newsletter, add your CV to the database, attend public events
Deliver high-quality value for clients or AKCGlobal
Accept an invitation from the team to join the company as a member of staff
Join bids/ pitches
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AssociateVolunteer your time to help build the business
Engage, respond
“I know no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education.”
- Thomas Jefferson
4. AKCGlobal Learning
How We Keep Sharp
We’re constantly teaching each other
and learning, because knowledge builds insight and
optionsakc.global
No rights reserved - distribution and adaption encouraged.
“I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forego their use”
- Galileo
4. AKCGlobal Learning
How We Keep Sharp
Internal – Each of us shares the skills and knowledge we have in team training days to build awareness of our collective capabilities;
Community – As part of TheCUBE’s co-working community, we both offer and participate in their wide range of workshops and lectures; and
Strategic – AKCGlobal proactively invests in its personnel by sponsoring their external qualifications in subjects relevant to our work.
Personal – AKCGlobal will reimburse up to £10 per month to allow employees to purchase books/magazines/materials relevant to their work;
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“The error of youth is to believe that intelligence is a substitute for experience, while the error of age is to believe that experience is a substitute for intelligence.”
- Lyman Bryson
5. AKCGlobal Structure
Finding Order Within Chaos
We’re not fans of hierarchy or titles because age or status doesn’t
guarantee wisdom or creativity
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“The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew.”
- Abraham
Lincoln
5. AKCGlobal Structure
Finding Order Within Chaos
Leaders within the company take on more responsibility for its health, and are recognisable by the regard its personnel have for them;
Progression of any type – salary, position, responsibility – doesn’t follow a set path or require someone to leave that role where they excel;
AKCGlobal pays employees at the top of their personal marketability; as much as a replacement would cost, and what we’d pay to keep them.
One highly-capable star employee is worth more than two average ones; we invest accordingly:
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“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”
- Antoine de
Saint Exupery
5. AKCGlobal Structure
Combatting Complexity
Refactoring – Improving internal structure without changing external behaviour
• Pull out unused features;• Removing unnecessary rules;• Stop generating useless reports;• Automate manual processes;• Cancel unproductive meetings;• Prune extraneous processes.
Refactoring the common environment is everyone’s constant responsibility. Everyone.
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“When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt.”
- Henry J. Kaiser
6. AKCGlobal Work
Freedom and Responsibility
We do incredible work by giving
smart, talented and kind people
incredible freedom and responsibility
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“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
- Calvin Coolidge
6. AKCGlobal Work
Employee Manual (Page 1 of 1)
1. Use your best judgement
2. Act in the interest of the client
3. Prevent unrecoverable
disaster akc.globalNo rights reserved - distribution and adaption
“How many a dispute could have been deflated into a single paragraph if the disputants had dared to define their terms”
- Aristotle
6. AKCGlobal Work
Examples of Interpretation
Holiday PolicyTake holidays when you need them, and at times respectful
of your colleagues and the work.
There is no holiday allocation or tracking – work hard, work smart, deliver quality
and help each other. Come back refreshed, creative and motivated (and
bring candy for the rest of us).akc.global
No rights reserved - distribution and adaption encouraged.
“How many a dispute could have been deflated into a single paragraph if the disputants had dared to define their terms”
- Aristotle
6. AKCGlobal Work
Examples of Interpretation
Expenses PolicyAct in the company’s best
interest.
Expense what you would otherwise not spend, and travel as you would if it was your own money. Don’t create conflicts-
of-interests, and disclose non-trivial gifts. Take from the company only when it’s inefficient not to, and inconsequential.
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“How many a dispute could have been deflated into a single paragraph if the disputants had dared to define their terms”
- Aristotle
6. AKCGlobal Work
Examples of Interpretation
Attendance PolicyWork where and when it
provides the most value to the client and company.
Deliver value to the clients and company while meeting commitments, and being available to help your colleagues. Work from home, the office, or a coffee shop –
be accessible on company platforms.
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“How many a dispute could have been deflated into a single paragraph if the disputants had dared to define their terms”
- Aristotle
6. AKCGlobal Work
Examples of Interpretation
Dress PolicyWear the most comfortable clothes appropriate for your
work.
Dress in the way that makes your brain and heart happiest, and that doesn’t
distract from the value you’re adding to the client or company.
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“Always do right – this will gratify some, frustrate many, and astonish the rest.”
- Mark Twain
7. AKCGlobal Values
What Do We Value Here?
We put our values into practice by
using them to decide who leads, is
rewarded, and is let go
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“When I die, I hope that it will be in the way of my grandfather and Mr. Rabin, taking a bullet on the battlefield of peace, because that is the only death worthy of such a life.
Let us not keep silent. Let our voices rise high to speak of our commitment to peace for all time to come. And let us tell those who live in darkness, who are the enemies of life and true faith, this is where we stand. This is our camp.”
- King Hussein
of Jordan, at the funeral of
Yitzhak Rabin.
7. AKCGlobal Values
What Do We Value Here?
CourageSay what you think, even if it’s controversial
Make tough decisions without agonising
Take smart risks for common benefit
Question actions inconsistent with our values
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“If you tell people the truth, make them laugh or they'll kill you.”
- George Bernard Shaw
7. AKCGlobal Values
What Do We Value Here?
HonestySpeak directly and with candour
Disagree without being political
Say nothing about someone you’d not say to them
Admit mistakes quickly
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“This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.”
- George Bernard Shaw
7. AKCGlobal Values
What Do We Value Here?
ImpactDo amazing amounts of important work
Be a consistent and reliable colleague
Focus on results instead of process
Bias toward action over analysis
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“They that reverence too much the old times are but a scorn to the new.”
- Sir Francis Bacon
7. AKCGlobal Values
What Do We Value Here?
OpennessListen well to understand, then react fast
Be articulate and concise speaking and writing
Treat people with respect independent of status
Maintain calm poise under stress
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“I do not greatly care whether I have been right or wrong on any point, but I care a great deal about knowing which of the two I have been.”
- Samuel Butler
7. AKCGlobal Values
What Do We Value Here?
CuriosityLearn eagerly and rapidly
Teach yourself skills, knowledge and tools
Contribute effectively outside your speciality
Admit when you don’t know, ask to know more
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“Making good judgments when one has complete data, facts and knowledge is not leadership – it’s bookkeeping.”
- Dee Hock
7. AKCGlobal Values
What Do We Value Here?
JudgementDecide on the wisest action despite ambiguity
Identify root causes of problems constructively
Choose strategically what to do and not do
Separate what to do now, and improve later
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“It is amazing how much people can get done if they do not worry about who gets the credit.”
- Sandra Swinney
7. AKCGlobal Values
What Do We Value Here?
HumilitySeek what is best for the client, then
company
Search for the best ideas without ego
Make the effort to proactively help colleagues
Share information, blame and credit openly
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“Happiness: The full use of your powers along the lines of excellence.”
- John F. Kennedy
8. AKCGlobal Motivation
Why I’m Here…
“I’m here because I really wanted to work somewhere with the smartest and best people I know. I’ve met them all over the world, and many ended up here in London too.
If there’s anything that we have in common, it’s that we’re constantly seeking out challenges worth solving, but those are the ones most likely to violently resist being solved. We needed our own castle to call home, so I built the business for us that I couldn’t find anywhere else.”- Alexander Knapp
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“Happiness: The full use of your powers along the lines of excellence.”
- John F. Kennedy
8. AKCGlobal Motivation
Why I’m Here…
“I’ve always been inspired by those who dare to think outside of the triangle. Not for the sake of being different, but because paving the way for innovative thinking is very much needed. To me, AKCG encompasses exactly that. Being surrounded by people who embody a highly rare combination of humbleness and brilliance is incredibly motivating! I am here because I do not need to mask my quirky personality and suggestions, because I fully believe in the purpose of the company and finally because I believe we together can achieve greatness.”
- Carina Jurs akc.global
No rights reserved - distribution and adaption encouraged.
“Happiness: The full use of your powers along the lines of excellence.”
- John F. Kennedy
8. AKCGlobal Motivation
Why I’m Here…
“I’m here because…”
- [Your name]
[Add your ‘Motivation’ here
and update the file online for the next
person!]
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AKCGlobal – Culture Deck
With thanks for inspiration, examples, content, suggestions and other crazy
notions to:
The AKCG TeamApple
Netflix Culture DeckValve Employee ManualHubSpot Culture Code
Richard Semler, SEMCOZappos Employee Manual
Harold Saunders, The Kettering Foundation
Caliginem Pervincereakc.global
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AKCGlobal – Culture Deck
Questions?
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[email protected] akc.global
Corporate Culture‘The Way We Do Things Around Here…’
By: The AKCGlobal TeamLatest Adaptation: 16 May 2015
Permission to edit, distribute and adapt encouraged.