Norms play a crucial role in shaping company culture by influencing behaviors that are expected, and deviation from these norms could result in social punishment. The geek culture is defined by a set of norms that include science, ownership, speed, and openness, which are essential for creating a positive experience within the company. These norms act as a guiding force in promoting excellence and are integral to maintaining the cohesion and identity of a human community.
When we think of geeks, we tend to think of the people who built the tech we use – from our smartphones to search engines to AI.
But if we just focus on the tech, we’re missing out on a lot. We’re overlooking how these same geeks reinvented corporate culture using a repeatable set of norms that ensure sustainable innovation.
Andrew McAfee is a principal research scientist at the MIT Sloan School of Management and cofounder and codirector of the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy. He’s been studying innovative companies for decades, and he’s taken what he’s learned and written about it in his latest book, The Geek Way: The Radical Mindset that Drives Extraordinary Results.
I’m convinced what Andrew’s learned about the geek way – and its four key norms – is a roadmap for where today’s – and tomorrow’s - companies are headed.
Episode Links
The Geek Way
New Book Explains the ‘Geek Way’ to Manage a Company
Forward Thinking on How Geeks are Changing the World
Interview with Roger Martin
The Team
Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.
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