Solid Cactus Culture

Back in December, I put together a “Cactus Culture” survey based on the famed Zappos Culture Book.   I then saw this commercial on TV for Chili’s and thought, “You know, musical chairs is the type of thing we would just spontaneously do at Solid Cactus.”

Here are two “Culture” Survey responses that support this thought:

“What is: the ability to have fun while being productive What is different and what is liked: It’s more colorful and loose. Most corporate environments I have worked in have a tendency to be clique-ish/cult-ish in that it strives to zap an individual’s energy rather than leveraging it to produce the results that is wanted. Granted, individuality that is counter to corporate goals is one thing, but general individuality and personality is strongly suppressed in other companies. The color of other company’s environments (i.e. cube & office walls, office furniture) are rather bland and do not evoke imagination or creative thinking. Cactus is much more colorful and provides a nurturning environment for creative thinking.”
- Brian / Cacti since April 2006

“To me, Cactus Culture is just all about great creative minds working together in a laid back environment- and working hard because we like to be here. Here are some things that allow me to get out of bed every morning- and trust me- I am not a morning person. –I get to wear jeans and funny graphic tees to work- my personality can shine through here as I don’t have to cover it up with business casual. Plus- I am comfortable! –I get to be highly caffeniated all day long with an on-premise cafe- where the staff knows my name and typical orders. I get more done because I stay in the office for lunch. –We get to play! With a gym with ping pong and basketball, people can de-stress or just have fun on lunch and after hours. –The colorful walls- this may just appear to be paint on a wall, but the chosen colors make the place as vibrant as it’s people –The encouragement of ideas- at other places I’d work, you’d practically get in trouble for suggesting something, whereas at Cactus, some of the best ideas have come from its people. With an online idea exchange, the new Thursdays with Scott in in general, the open door policy to all of management, we get to speak up… and not just speak up, but be heard. –The People!! No where have I worked in the past have co-workers gelled as much as at Cacti– we work well together, and then after work, play well together. From happy hours, to road trips to just hanging out on lazy Sundays, the friendships formed at SC are some of the best friendships I’ve seen. And being friends outside of work also improves working relationships. ”
- Donna, Cacti since June 2007