Framework for Developing Cultural Values at Eventbrite 🎉

Eventbrite's revitalization of its cultural values aims to enhance alignment with its evolving corporate strategy.

1. The Need for Cultural Realignment 🔄

In 2020, as Eventbrite faced unprecedented challenges, the necessity for a refreshed set of cultural values became glaringly apparent. Originally established before the company went public in 2018, these values failed to effectively guide internal decisions concerning hiring, promotions, and operations. With the onset of a crisis that saw a significant decline in revenue and massive layoffs, the leadership recognized that the existing framework did not resonate with the realities of a rapidly changing business environment.

The reevaluation process took shape during a multi-day offsite retreat, where the executive team collectively explored and articulated a cultural foundation that would be more representative of the company's mission and aspirations. The shift from "peacetime" to "wartime" presented a unique set of challenges, including increased pressures on corporate engagement with social issues, necessitating a more thoughtfully constructed cultural identity.

2. Establishing the Foundations of Culture 🔍

The transformation began with an acknowledgment that the type of culture a company fosters is ultimately a decision made at the CEO level. This realization led to a collaborative effort involving the executive team to identify predominant cultural styles. Through thoughtful discussions and workshops, the team assessed the existing culture against a framework derived from research on successful corporate cultures.

This assessment enabled everyone to share their perspectives on the ideal cultural attributes, leading to a unified understanding of where Eventbrite's culture should pivot. Importantly, the decision-making process aimed to avoid a top-down approach, ensuring that the new values would emerge organically from the collective input of cross-functional teams across the organization.

3. Engaging the Broader Organization in Cultural Development 🤝

Recognizing the limitations of solely executive-driven decisions, the leadership team incorporated feedback from a wider range of employees to define the new cultural values. Initiated by a group composed of members from various departments and levels of seniority, this inclusive effort sought to capture a more comprehensive perspective on the values that should define Eventbrite's culture.

Throughout the workshops, participants collaborated positively to draft new cultural values that emphasized the necessity of a "Caring and Purpose" culture while integrating elements of "Learning and Results." This combination addressed the need for compassion within the workplace while also fostering a results-oriented mindset.

By harnessing collaboration and transparent dialogue, Eventbrite's leadership encouraged a shift toward values that resonated more deeply with employees. This process also ignited conversations around leadership style, ushering in an understanding of how the company's new leaders embodied a focus on learning and tangible results—an essential pivot towards greater organizational resilience.

4. The Implementation and Ongoing Reinforcement of Cultural Values 🛠️

Once the new values were solidified, it became imperative for Eventbrite's leadership to embed these principles into daily operations and rituals within the company. Integration of the cultural values into performance metrics, training modules, and employee engagement activities ensured that every member of the organization could align their efforts with the intended cultural direction.

The commitment to reinforce these cultural values did not happen overnight. Continuous effort, reflection, and adaptation were necessary to guide the organization in making these values a living part of its corporate identity. Executives recognized that it would take persistence and dedication to shape the behavior and mindset of the entire workforce, fostering a culture of authenticity and accountability.

Conclusion ✨

The strategic overhaul of Eventbrite's cultural values stands as a testament to the power of adaptability and collaboration during times of crisis. By acknowledging the gaps in the previous cultural framework and engaging a diverse group of employees in the development of new values, Eventbrite has repositioned itself to thrive in an uncertain environment. This ongoing cultural evolution not only serves to enhance employee engagement but also increases the resilience and agility of the organization in navigating future challenges.