How to Build the Best Agency Culture by Attacking Ideas, Not People

<p>Chris Leone was playing drums in Japan trying to figure out his next step in life when a keynote by Gary Vaynerchuk inspired him to enter the agency world. He ended up working an entry-level position in a small agency and worked his way up to being president and CEO of <a href="https://www.webstrategiesinc.com/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">WebStrategies Inc</a>, a multi-million dollar agency that focuses on mid-low funnel, lead generation, SEO, PPC, social advertising, and inbound marketing. Chris sat down with Jason to discuss how he worked his way up from the bottom of the totem pole. He also shares his experience with an agency acquisition just as he was named CEO and how he built a culture of learning. Chris's team is encouraged to speak up and take ownership of their ideas, which goes a long way.</p> <h2>3 Golden Nuggets</h2> <ol> <li><strong>The power in saying someone’s name.</strong> Our guest is not afraid of a challenge. His first day as CEO came right after an <a href="https://jasonswenk.com/acquisition-growth-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">acquisition</a> and he was asked to handle the first meeting between both teams. This is an important moment, as the first impression on a new team is critical and may determine whether or not the acquisition is a success. He decided to spend time before the meeting making sure that his team knew everyone by name before they arrived. That way, they would feel welcome and less hesitant to give the new company a chance.</li> <li><strong>Attack ideas, not people.</strong> Chris has worked hard to create a <a href="https://jasonswenk.com/agency-vision/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">work environment</a> where employees feel safe to speak their minds and be themselves. “It’s not a performative culture” he says “It’s a learning culture”. He builds on the belief that leaders who are open to test an idea, observe and then implement from there greatly outperform the ones who are much more rigid in their thinking.</li> <li><strong>Adapting to the online off