Keeping the ‘start up mentality’
In line with a start-up mentality is that genuine belief that you can make a difference to the world. The drive and passion associated with that belief is contagious and creates a real ‘buzz’ which resonates throughout the company. Every new thing, no matter how small, is exciting. And what’s more – everyone is in it together. The passion described here is often missing from larger, more corporate companies who tend to measure success based on end of year figures as opposed to the day to day excitement of customer’s using and responding to their product.
“Using the Lean Startup principles of ‘Build-Measure-Learn’ takes a lot of discipline, but it means we know what our customers actually want and not what we think they want. It sounds counter-intuitive to being a passionate team out to change the world – but we’re actually making changes that are meaningful & relevant to our customers.” Arti Mathanda, QA Manager at Simply Business
The People
And finally, companies with a startup mentality often understand that people are their most vital asset. As such, they will go to great lengths to ensure that their employees are happy at work. Simply Business provide incentives for their workforce such as free breakfast, flexible working hours, yoga classes, wine and cheese evenings and even have a dedicated team onsite labelled ‘the Culture Club’ responsible for thinking up fun events. More corporate companies tend to lose this personable relationship with their employees.
”Simply Business’ people engagement philosophy is simple. Give talented people a stage on which to perform, together with the right tools and direction they need; and then get out of their way. Allow them to get on and do what they’re good at. People are empowered to make a difference and realise their full potential. Teams are organised cross-functionally in an agile fashion, which makes for a highly collaborative and open culture, which is built upon further through regular company feedback sessions such as Retrospectives, Stand ups and Show and Tell sessions.” Sarah Bowerman, Head of People Engagement at SimplyBusiness
