Right People, Right Seats: Writing a New Chapter on Company Culture | Bill Van Vliet
Aug 2, 2023
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Bill Van Vliet, President of Book Depot, discusses building a thriving online book business in the age of audiobooks, embracing change, implementing EOS, protecting core values, and achieving significant growth through tough decisions and the right leadership.
Developing core values based on qualities of best employees is crucial in shaping a thriving company culture.
Embracing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) can lead to significant improvements in structure, processes, and overall company growth.
Deep dives
Importance of Core Values and Culture
The podcast episode discusses how the company, Book Depot, developed their core values based on the qualities of their best employees. These core values are central to the company's culture and have been instrumental in shaping their success. By aligning their values with their workforce, they were able to create a supportive and thriving culture. Employees who did not adhere to these values were either let go or left on their own. The episode highlights the significance of core values in building a strong organizational culture.
Embracing EOS for Business Growth
Book Depot's president and integrator, Bill Van Vliet, shares how embracing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) has been a game changer for their business. The company's journey with EOS began after experiencing a plateau in sales and profits. Upon implementing EOS, they saw significant improvements in their structure and processes, leading to increased efficiency and growth. Bill highlights the importance of hiring a professional implementer and committing to the EOS framework to achieve tangible results.
Cultivating Trust and Accountability
Bill discusses the challenges he faced in transitioning from his technical background to being an integrator and leader. Letting go of the vine and trusting his team were crucial steps in driving accountability and empowering his employees. Open and honest communication became the norm, replacing politics and meetings after meetings. Bill emphasizes the value of cultivating trust, embracing conflict, and encouraging vulnerability, which has strengthened their culture and elevated their performance.
Building a Positive Culture and Winning Awards
Book Depot's commitment to their core values and culture has earned them recognition as having one of the most admired cultures in Canada. They have implemented various initiatives to reinforce their values and celebrate achievements, such as a recognition program called Bucket List and an anonymous annual survey to gauge employee satisfaction. The podcast highlights the importance of nurturing a positive workplace culture, prioritizing core values, and creating tangible experiences that embody the company's values.
Bill Van Vliet, President of Book Depot, discusses building a thriving online book business in the age of audiobooks and the role of culture in growth.
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