How do you create an inspired agency? Create an inspired culture.
It’s all a matter of priorities. If your people come first, they will know it. They’ll be loyal and dedicated. They’ll embrace the power of teamwork. They’ll go the extra mile and surprise you on a daily basis.
There’s no magic formula. Just find the best people and reward them at every turn. We call our people “partners” because we are an ESOP and everyone has a stake in the company’s success.
We are extremely picky about who we hire. We scour the country, looking for partners who show passion and curiosity beyond their impeccable resumes. And once they join Barkley, they know they’re a part of something big. And they’re never taken for granted.
We believe physical environment impacts culture. We recently moved into the old TWA building, a space that fosters collaboration and creativity. Back in 1955, Howard Hughes built a 35-foot rocket and put it on the roof. The rocket symbolized his dream to send passengers into space. The rocket is long gone, but we built a perfect replica. We like the idea of going new places.
An inspired culture lives and breathes in an organization. It’s real. It’s tangible. And it needs to be fed. So we invest in our partners and we share our successes.
The CEO writes dozens of handwritten notes each month to partners for a job well done. Monthly staff meetings are the perfect venue to showcase work, as well as recognize anniversaries and promotions. “Kidnaps,” as we fondly call them, are an opportunity to take all of our partners off-site for a full day of fun. We’ve done everything from dog races and bowling, to scavenger hunts and arcades.
When you give to your partners, they give back. Ten-fold. So we never think twice about investing in their success. Every year, we hold a two-day Creativity Symposium. All of our partners are invited, not just those in the creative department. And we bring in the best and brightest thinkers inside and outside of our industry.
Our currency isn't just our ideas, it's our people. We never lose sight of that.
