blatantninja
Resident Redneck Facist
Thought this was pretty interesting. Definitely a different structure for sure.
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-04-27/why-there-are-no-bosses-at-valve#p1
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-04-25/what-makes-valve-software-the-shangri-la-of-offices
I thought this was hilarious:
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-04-27/why-there-are-no-bosses-at-valve#p1
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-04-25/what-makes-valve-software-the-shangri-la-of-offices
The Good
There are no managers or bosses at Valve. Even Valve co-founder Gabe Newell isn’t directly in charge of anyone. “Of all the people at this company who aren’t your boss, Gabe is the MOST not your boss, if you get what we’re saying,” the handbook says. Every Valve employee has hiring capabilities, as well as the power to greenlight an idea. Employees are encouraged to work on their own projects and jump on any others that interest them. It’s basically the Montessori version of running a company. Somehow, this results in completed projects and top-notch video games.
Valve has a company gym, company massage rooms, and free Stumptown coffee. Employees are not expected to work overtime. And once a year, the company takes all its employees and their families on a “tropical” vacation.
The Bad
Discarding weak links. Because there’s no hierarchical structure, Valve admits that “a poor hiring decision can cause lots of damage, and can sometimes go unchecked for too long.” But the company adds, “Ultimately, people who cause damage always get weeded out.” The handbook also admits that the lack of structure makes it hard for people to develop mentors.
I thought this was hilarious:
Rock music and hair metal are played in the company bathrooms. “You’ll never be able to relieve yourself again unless someone hums Rock You Like a Hurricane,” Valve says.