Brad Williams, CEO and co-founder of WebDev Studios, has transformed his company from a small startup into one of the most respected WordPress agencies, collaborating with high-profile clients like Microsoft, Viacom, Campbell Soup Company, Starbucks, and the NBA. In our Amazing Teams episode, Brad shared his insights and philosophy on building and maintaining amazing teams. His approach combines a strong emphasis on culture, remote work adaptability, open-source contribution, and intentional relationship-building within the team. Here are some key takeaways from Brad’s philosophy on team-building.
Embrace Remote Work Early and Fully
WebDev Studios has been a fully distributed company since its inception. Brad quickly realized that to attract top talent, the company needed to hire people from various locations, not just in tech hubs like Philly or New York. This early adoption of remote work was initially met with skepticism, as clients and other companies found it odd that they didn't have a traditional office. However, with the shift to remote work becoming more common, Brad's early decision proved to be a forward-thinking move. He notes that the evolution from remote work being a novelty to a norm has validated their approach.
Dedicate Time for Giving Back
One of the unique aspects of Web Dev Studios' culture is their commitment to contributing to the WordPress community. The company dedicates the last Friday of every month to what they call "Five for the Future", where the entire team contributes to WordPress. This initiative allows team members to work on passion projects, answer support questions, or create content, providing a break from client work and fostering a sense of giving back to the open-source community. Brad emphasizes that open source thrives on contributions, and without people giving back, it wouldn't exist.
Recognize the Importance of Culture
Brad believes that a strong company culture is essential, especially for a remote team. He points out that as the company grew, they had to be intentional about building and maintaining a cohesive culture. Without a strong culture, team members might feel disconnected, leading to a lack of engagement and poor-quality work. Brad’s approach includes regular check-ins, tools like HeyTaco for peer recognition, and initiatives like the "S'Up" on Slack, which pairs employees for casual, non-work-related chats to foster connections.
Understand and Support Career Growth
As the company grows, so do the roles and responsibilities of its team members. Brad highlights the importance of understanding what each team member wants from their career. Some might thrive in management roles, while others might prefer to continue coding. Recognizing these preferences and supporting them is crucial for maintaining a motivated and happy team. He advises that not everyone is suited for a management position, and that's okay. It’s about finding the right fit for each individual and helping them grow in their chosen path.
Build and Maintain Relationships
For Brad, relationships are at the core of everything they do, whether with team members or clients. He stresses that relationships, like those with a spouse or a friend, require work and intentional effort to maintain. Tools and initiatives that encourage team members to interact, such as the aforementioned S'Up App and HeyTaco, help build these relationships. Brad notes that when people know each other personally, it’s harder to harbor negative feelings, leading to a more harmonious and productive work environment.
Foster Fun and Engagement
While work is important, Brad believes in balancing it with fun and engagement. WebDev Studios organizes various activities like March Madness brackets, holiday events, and game nights using tools like Jackbox Games. These activities not only provide a break from work but also help in building stronger bonds among team members. Brad encourages taking the pulse of the team regularly through one-on-ones and feedback sessions to understand what activities resonate with them and to keep the engagement fresh and exciting.
Trust and Verify
Finally, Brad emphasizes the importance of trusting his management team but also verifying that things are running smoothly. Regular check-ins, monitoring situations, and having direct conversations when something seems off are part of his strategy to ensure that any issues are addressed promptly. He believes that identifying and addressing problems early makes them easier to fix and helps maintain a positive and productive work environment.
Brad Williams' approach to building amazing teams at WebDev Studios revolves around embracing remote work, fostering a strong culture, supporting career growth, building relationships, and balancing work with fun. His philosophy and practices offer valuable insights for any organization looking to create and maintain high-performing and connected teams.
