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Understanding Implicit Culture
Implicit culture at 37 Signals is deeply ingrained and not explicitly documented. To truly understand working at the organization, individuals must embody the implicit culture through continuous interaction with long-standing team members who have absorbed its essence. The company values the implicit nature of its culture, focusing on the human element and individual personalities rather than relying solely on written guidelines. The culture is passed down through an apprenticeship model, where employees learn from experienced team members. While there is a belief in explicitness and documentation, it is acknowledged that the full essence of the culture cannot be captured in writing. Gradual assimilation is key to preserving the culture, although significant cultural changes may necessitate a deliberate dilution and reformation process to maintain what works well and address areas that require improvement.