In a world where Team meetings and Slack messages are the new water cooler conversations, company culture can sometimes feel like an elusive concept. In the 3 years I have been at Mindfuel, I have seen how we've embraced the remote work revolution with open arms, but also learned really quickly that fostering a strong company culture is more critical than ever. Our recent in-person meeting in Vienna was a testament to this belief. It was an opportunity not just to connect face-to-face but to dive deep into our company values and breathe life into them.
The importance of in-person meetings
For a remote-first company like Mindfuel, in-person meetings are not just a luxury; they are a necessity. They provide the space for team members to connect on a human level, something that video calls can't fully replicate. Our Vienna gathering wasn't just about work; it was about recharging our collective energy, sharing stories, and strengthening the bonds that make us more than just a team of remote workers. It's these moments that remind us of our shared purpose and the values that guide us every day.
The backbone of Mindfuel: our company values
At the heart of Mindfuel are our eight core values, which are meant to serve as our guiding principles. They aren't just words on a poster (there is actually no poster at all) or bullet points in an onboarding presentation; they have always been intended to be the foundation of how we operate, make decisions, and interact with one another. In my 3 years at Mindfuel this is what does values mean in my day:
- Always Explore and Pioneer
Innovation is in our DNA. We encourage everyone at Mindfuel to think outside the box and explore new frontiers, whether in technology, customer service, or team collaboration. This value pushes us to constantly seek out new ways to improve and innovate.
- Always Truly Care
We believe in empathy and compassion. Whether it's a colleague facing a tough day or a client with unique needs, we aim to show that we genuinely care. It's about going the extra mile to make someone feel valued and understood.
- Always Seek to Understand Before Being Understood
Communication is a two-way street. At Mindfuel, we prioritize listening and understanding before sharing our perspectives. This value fosters a culture of respect and open-mindedness, where every voice is heard and valued.
- Always Be the Rainbow in Somebody Else's Life
We believe in spreading positivity and joy. Even a small act of kindness can make a big difference, and we strive to be a source of light and support for each other and our clients.
- Always Leave Things Better Than Found
Whether it's a project, a process, or a workspace, we aim to make improvements and leave things better than we found them. This value drives us to continuously seek excellence in everything we do.
- Always Deliver the Cherry on Top
We believe in exceeding expectations. It's not just about meeting the standard; it's about going above and beyond to deliver something exceptional, something memorable.
- Always Better Together
Collaboration is key. We know that our strength lies in our collective efforts and diverse perspectives. Together, we can achieve far more than we ever could individually.
- Always Play Fair and at Eye Level
Integrity and equity are non-negotiable. We treat everyone with respect and fairness, regardless of their role or position. This value ensures a level playing field where everyone feels valued and empowered.
Bringing values to life
In Vienna, we dedicated a session focused solely on discussing, reflecting, and interpreting our company values. This wasn't a mere formality or an exercise to fill the agenda; it was an invaluable opportunity to ensure that our values remain alive and vibrant as we grow. As companies scale, the focus often shifts towards tangible metrics like sales, revenue, and market share. While these are undeniably important, they can overshadow the less tangible yet equally critical aspects of a company's identity, such as values and culture.
Engaging in deep discussions about our values allowed us to explore what they truly mean in practice. It wasn't just about defining these values in theory; it was about understanding how they translate into our day-to-day actions and ways of working. We asked ourselves critical questions: What does "Always Explore and Pioneer" look like in our daily tasks? How do we "Always Truly Care" in our interactions with clients and colleagues? By breaking down these values into specific behaviors and actions, we created a shared understanding and commitment to living them out.
Reflecting on our values also provided a platform for open dialogue and alignment. It gave us the space to voice concerns, share personal interpretations, and align our individual actions with our collective mission. This process is crucial because, without proper care, company values can easily become hollow statements. As companies grow, the risk of misalignment increases, leading to a culture that can become fragmented or even toxic. It's far easier to maintain a healthy company culture than to repair one that's been damaged. Once trust is broken and values are compromised, rebuilding can be a monumental challenge.
This is why our Vienna session was the best first step to continue being known for our great culture. It helped us start to embed our values into the fabric of our daily operations, ensuring they aren't just ideals but lived experiences as we continue to grow and face challenges. It also emphasized the collective responsibility we all share in upholding these values, reminding us that culture is everyone's business.
The role of leadership
Values are just words if no one ensures they are lived daily. This is where leadership plays a crucial role. At Mindfuel, our leaders are not just decision-makers; they are role models. Therefore they must embody our values and set the tone for the entire company. They must always be the first to explore and pioneer, the first to truly care, and the first to ensure that we all play fair and at eye level. Leadership isn't just about managing tasks; it's about inspiring others to live our values every day.
A collective responsibility
Ultimately, fostering a strong company culture is a collective responsibility. It's not just about the leadership team or people team; it's about every Mindfuel member. We all have a role to play in bringing our values to life, in holding ourselves and each other accountable, and in creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
As we continue our remote work journey, we carry the spirit of Vienna with us. It's a reminder that no matter where we are in the world, our values are the glue that binds us together. They are the foundation of our culture, the heartbeat of Mindfuel. And as we explore new horizons, truly care, and seek to understand, we do so knowing that we are always better together.
Read more about Mindfuel's culture.
