How Slack Built its Culture: Part 3
In this episode, James Sherrett shares the inside story of how Slack’s culture was built and lived, focusing on the daily practices, values, and rituals that shaped the company.
Timestamps & Topics:
[0:00] Introduction
Overview of Slack’s culture journey, the four attributes, and six core values.
[1:37] What is Culture, Really?
Exploring the meaning of culture, referencing The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle.
[3:16] Slack’s Mission: SPP
The origin and impact of “Simpler, more Pleasant, and more Productive” on Slack’s daily work.
[4:39] Never Waste a Crisis
[4:39] The 2015 security breach, how Slack responded, and the values that guided the team.
[7:53] The Power of Affirmations
[7:53] The story behind the “What good shall I do this day?” sign and how small rituals reinforced culture.
[9:56] Rethinking Sales Compensation
[9:56] The debate over how to pay salespeople, insights from Drive by Dan Pink, and the evolution of Slack’s approach.
[13:07] Calle-oween: A Unique Ritual
[13:07] The tradition of dressing as CTO Cal Henderson and celebrating consistency and dedication.
[15:13] Closing Thoughts
[15:13] Reflections on culture, rituals, and the journey.
Notable Quotes & References:
• “Culture is a set of living relationships working toward a shared goal. It’s not something you are, it’s something you do.” — Daniel Coyle, The Culture Code
• “What good shall I do this day?” — Benjamin Franklin
• Insights on motivation and autonomy, mastery and purpose from Drive by Dan Pink.
Takeaways:
• Culture is more than words on a wall—it’s how values show up in everyday decisions, crises, and celebrations.
• Rituals, stories, and even small signs can reinforce shared values and purpose.
• Adapting to challenges and being willing to question industry norms are key to building a resilient, authentic culture.
