generated by creating common enemies, i.e. competitors. This is achieved simply by aligning yourself against an “enemy” product or service, and creating goals with your team to beat them out. The rival becomes a shared goal for everyone on the team; focusing on their defeat creates camaraderie through scheduled triumphs (e.g. product releases, sales metrics, growth goals etc.). In fostering this mentality, however, be careful not to pit teams internally against each other, as hostility is not good for culture. Also note that this approach to creating a “culture” should not continue outside company walls, as that is where local community can provide an alternate source of culture to fuel momentum.
Teams can also create/find culture by hosting and participating in community events. Community events can affect a team and its startup culture positively or negatively. Let’s first consider events that might be negative for community. If nationalism were simply defined as aligning yourself against the enemy, then events that encourage product competition on a local level would naturally pit local companies against each other.
I’ve witnessed a few common effects from local events like these. One example is team A deriding team B (whose target markets aren’t even close) because of a monetary prize or temporary limelight.
Another common example is when a team does not finish in first place and stops participating in events due to resentment. These gladiator-like events might have a place outside a community, but they can be poisonous internally, and counter-productive for local community and team growth. Competition is healthy, but not at the risk of losing support for each other within our community. If competition is prevalent in these events, the subject should not be the companies, but rather the subcultures of the community or teams. Events that foster friendships and alliances will allow a community to rise together.
Simple things like sharing alcohol and food while discussing an engaging subject can bring people together. Relaxed environments where everyone can mingle without fear of criticism fosters the kind of engagement that binds us together, in the same way internal teams can form strong relationships. We shall not align against another, but rather support each other in success within our community.
We can take advantage of our community in the same way we support each other internally through our team bonds and company cultures. If we choose to use a competitive enemy approach within our community, let it be directed toward another city, not between companies. Become aligned with the nearby teams you once considered competition. Open your doors and host events that encourage community growth. Find yourself using products created in your community while pushing them in your business-to-business relationships. This is the kind of stuff that helps both the entrepreneur and the community grow.
