positive culture | Grow Strong Leaders

124: WD-40’s Remarkable Tribe Culture

Imagine if there were a company that could consistently achieve an employee engagement score of 93 or 94? You don’t have to imagine it. That’s a reality at WD-40 Company. My guest Garry Ridge describes the elements he and his tribe have put in place and practice daily. You’ll be inspired by his passion and commitment to create a learning and empowering culture where every single person in the company thrives.

Garry is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of WD-40 Company. He now speaks and coaches with other CEOs to help them build positive cultures in their own organizations.

Garry is also an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego where he teaches the principles and practices of corporate culture in the Master of Science in Executive Leadership program. In 2009 he co-authored Helping People Win at Work: A Business Philosophy called ‘Don’t Mark My Paper, Help Me Get an A with Ken Blanchard. In 2020 he wrote TRIBE CULTURE: How It Shaped WD-40 Company and in 2021 The UNEXPECTED LEARNING MOMENT.

You’ll discover:

What “accidental soul-sucking” CEOs do to undermine a positive work environment
Why Garry refers to everyone at WD-40 as “tribe” instead of “team”
The 4 pillars of the fearless tribe at WD-40
The distinction Garry makes between empathy and ego
Why there are only “learning moments” and not failures or mistakes at WD-40

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097: Build a Positive Culture That Creates a Positive Spillover in the World

Why is it so important to have a positive culture in the workplace and eliminate any toxic elements? The ripple effects of both types of environments may surprise you. My guest JoAnna Brandi has a deep understanding of the dynamics and shares her expertise with great enthusiasm and clarity. You’ll love the specific actions she recommends leaders take to notice others’ strengths and express appreciation for them.

JoAnna has been in business since 1990 helping companies create happy, engaged, and productive employees who are dedicated to providing “Exquisite” Customer Care. She’s the author of several books, including 54 Ways to Stay Positive and two on customer loyalty. She is passionate about helping her clients activate the link between positivity and profitability, creating “great companies to work for and do business with.”

You’ll discover:

Why there’s now dis-connect between Engagement and Wellbeing since the pandemic…and what organizations need to know
Why having happy, engaged employees is a prerequisite for superb customer service
The characteristics and behaviors leaders can model to set up a positive culture
How a toxic work environment can impact domestic violence and school bullying
The scientific basis for a focus on employee well-being and happiness in the workplace