#395: Cult or Culture? The Thin Line That Boosts Employee Retention

Back to business this week, with a discussion about purpose and culture

In business, the word “cult” often raises eyebrows. But let’s put aside the negative connotations and think about what it means: unwavering commitment, shared purpose, and a magnetic culture that naturally attracts and retains the right people. If you want to build a company culture that sticks, developing a "cult" mindset is essential.

Great company cultures don’t just happen. They’re the product of clear values, distinctive rituals, and a community-like atmosphere where people feel they’re contributing to something bigger than themselves. Creating this atmosphere requires leadership that doesn’t just talk but walks the walk, embodying values and setting the tone from the top down.

Think of brands like Apple or Tesla. They didn’t just hire talented people; they created environments where people believe in the mission and have a reason to care. Apple’s culture of innovation directly results from its “cult-like” following among employees and customers alike—this dedication and unity fuel creativity and drive, which, in turn, creates lasting success.

So, how can you apply this “cult” approach?

Start by defining what you stand for and weaving that mission into every part of your business. Introduce traditions or team rituals that people enjoy and reinforce your core values. Recognize and celebrate behaviors that align with your mission. Encourage transparency, inclusivity, and, above all, an unwavering commitment to the mission.

Creating a “cult” culture isn’t about manipulation but purpose. People who feel a sense of belonging and alignment with a company’s mission are happier, more productive, and likely to stay for the long haul. Cultivate passion and loyalty by building an environment where people want to be—because when a company becomes more than just a workplace, you’ve built a culture worth keeping.

We’re not all Apple or Tesla

“If you don’t know your purpose, your purpose is to find your purpose.” - Author Unknown

Imagine if you will, its 20 or 30 years from now. You’re having an all company picnic at your Lake House. Sitting on the rocking chair, watching the team enjoy the games, barbeque, and fellowship, you overhear a couple of the younger family members, and the conversation goes like this.

“I can’t wait until I’m old enough to work here.” Youngin #1 says.

“Neither can I!” chimes in #2. “Mom always goes on and on about this place and reminds me that it’s ‘integrity over profits.’”

Then #1 adds, “yep, and ‘accountability above blame’.

And the both say at the same time, “trust over doubt.”

You smile to yourself and remember when you came up with those words. You found your purpose in developing a company with integrity, accountability, and trust as its founding values. Everything you did from that point on was to reinforce those principles. Every decision was made without compromising these fundamental principles; your team believed and lived them. It seems that they have passed them on to their family as well.

What are your three words? Have you thought about them, put them in writing, or devised employee recognition programs for team members that display these values? Have you put them into performance reviews and made it a goal to discuss these at every one-on-one you have?

Do your customers know about these values, and would they agree that your team exhibits them regularly?

Whether you are an Apple, Tesla, or just a small electrical contractor building their team, this is how the cult mentality is created. Find your purpose, then make it a central part of your business. Hire with these in mind, and don’t be afraid to dismiss someone if they don’t accept your principles.

Short and sweet today. Feel free to comment about your company’s or team’s values.

Developing a culture is hard work today, but it will lead to a better tomorrow.