AniBlurbs (Column)

Great topic touched by the guys over at 37Signals on why Pixar has been setting the pace in it’s field for some time now.

Hint: It’s not so much about having big budgets, nor is it about survival of the company, it’s about the one thing that some managers still fail to adhere to: Genuinely caring about your people, put them and their well-being first and the rest will follow.

…And here’s a great quote from Nelson on why the company eschews the industry’s standard practices (which favor one-time contracts over long-term affiliation).

“Contracts allow you to be irresponsible as a company. You don’t need to worry about keeping people happy and fulfilled. What we have created here – an incredible workspace, opportunities to learn and grow, and, most of all, great co-workers – is better than any contract.”

You can try to outspend the competition. Or you can try to outculture them. Create a place that makes employees feel special. A place that makes them feel like they’re part of a bigger whole. A place where they continually get to learn and evolve. A place where everyone actually likes each other…

Read the whole post and the reactions on 37signals.