Since startups emerged, they have been gaining more and more space in the market. In addition, since the rise of startups, they needed to create an environment for employees to work efficiently.

The name of it is the so-called startup culture, that is, a series of principles and guidelines that guide the performance of employees and leaders within the business. This new way of working proves to be very effective, generating innovation and competitive advantage for these organizations.

Traditional companies, older in the market, can also learn a lot and even incorporate some elements of this culture without having to become a startup to do so.

In this article, you will find out what means the startup culture and its importance to bring teams together in a project.

What is startup culture?

Space for rest, games room, absence of dress code, free snacks, less rigid hours, etc. When we talk about startup culture, the first things that come to mind are the benefits and the youthful and relaxed space adopted by these companies.

These elements can and are part of the daily life of some startups. However, the basis of this culture goes far beyond these aspects, becoming the essence of the company.

Company culture has to do with these definitions. But, if they are only written in a corner of the website or on paper stamped in the company’s hallways, they are useless.

Because when your employee understands the purpose that drives him/her, he/she buys your idea and helps you achieve your goals and achieve your goals. In other words, startup culture is the secret of the most admired companies in the world.

Qualities for a Startup Culture

1. Reduce leadership distance

A very striking feature in the startup culture is the proximity that leaders have with the work teams. In these companies, horizontal process prevails and all employees can have direct contact with any other member of the business, regardless of their position.

This is one of the elements that traditional companies can incorporate into their day-to-day activities. It allows employees to provide very important suggestions and feedback for the improvement of internal processes.

Furthermore, the more horizontal, the greater the motivation and engagement of the team. In this context, employees live with leaders and establish a close relationship with them.

2. Invest in intrapreneurship

The word entrepreneurship is gaining more and more space in the current market. However, it is not only related to the opening of innovative new companies but also changes within well-established organizations.

This is where intrapreneurship comes in, which refers to the entrepreneurial attitude of teams that work within larger companies. In other words, it means taking entrepreneurship, boosting innovation and creativity within the company.

3. Have your own identity

Startups have their own identity, which observations are both in the profile of employees and in the physical work environment. In this way, it can create a strong internal culture, around the mission, vision, and values ​​of the business.

A traditional company can bet on similar solutions. To do so, it is necessary for these businesses to deeply understand their organizational culture and create an identity. It must be in the work environment and be consistent with the organization’s activities and values.

4. Implement new technologies

New technologies can reduce costs, increase productivity and give scalability to the business. That’s why technological innovation is so present in the startup culture. This is another lesson that traditional companies can learn from this new business format.

After a certain period in the market, many organizations end up entering the comfort zone and not being updated about the technologies that arise all the time.

5. Have a Horizontal Structure

Horizontal structures favor cooperation, while vertical structures favor hierarchy. Typically, startups prefer the first alternative. When multiple people have the opportunity to voice their ideas, it’s easier to continually innovate.

6. Adopt Lean Thinking

For a horizontal structure to work well, at least in the beginning, it is better to work with a lean team. And don’t stop there: try to also streamline costs, processes, and even the product line.

That’s what lean thinking suggests, a management vision focused on valuing what adds real value and discarding everything else.

7. Valuing Professionals

Once you’re working with fewer people, it becomes a lot easier to properly value each of the professionals on your team.

At the same time, the expectation on the part of these individuals is even stronger. After all, there is no reason why the manager cannot develop consistent feedback and corporate education policies. Also, they can create career plans aligned with each member’s development ambitions.

The answer lies in innovation. While it can manifest itself through technologies, it’s not machines or software that produce innovation. And motivated professionals tend to be more creative and proactive, generating important advances for the company.

Difference between traditional culture and startup culture

Startups have an organizational culture, in many ways, opposite to the traditional culture. A first divergence is the one that defines the form of distribution of this space: the team’s integration.

In addition, in traditional companies, there is a predominance of individualism in the sectors. In startups, everyone works together with the same purpose.

Likewise, the relationship between manager and employee is much closer. Therefore, it is a result of easy access to leadership and the predominant idea of ​​joint development. After all, leaders have an attitude of sharing knowledge and valuing the team.

And the team, in turn, does not perform its tasks as a means of getting a promotion or a better job, but in a proactive way to grow with the company.

Another differential is the functioning of the rules. In startups, rules tend to be more flexible and flexible to everyday situations.

Why endorse it for your Startup?

These are the main reasons for companies to leave the traditional model of structure and work.

But it is important to note one aspect. Not all of them will adapt to the relaxed pace, a horizontal, changeable, pure daring team.

Still, they all have a lot to learn from the startup culture and must take this information to adopt in their structure. Much of the survival and success of your business goes there.

Motivation, recognition, and productivity are actions that drive the success of a company that values startup culture.

Is Startup Culture beneficial for any company?

With a good environment, everyone will run together in the same direction. 

The motivation of its employees has a good chance of being noticed by partners and customers. And its relevance and influence will consequently also increase.

Startups are companies that have recently emerged in society. However, they already have a lot to teach traditional organizations that want to be up to date with new trends. Therefore, researching more about the startup culture is essential for the success and longevity of your business.

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