How Slack Built its Culture: Part 3
How Slack Built its Culture: Part 3In 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] IntroductionOverview 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: SPPThe 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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.slackstory.com
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