For great company culture, start with the ‘rule of 3’

There are many things about King Price’s famous culture tours that our visitors love. But the element that they often take away and implement in their own organisations is our principle of creating insiders – that is, making our people feel part of the team from the moment they apply for a job with us.

And from the moment they walk through the door for their first day at work, we have a clear and deliberate process to immerse them in our purpose, values and culture. It’s a process we call the ‘rule of 3’ – a clear set of milestones and key moments, starting with the first 3 minutes after they arrive.

Here’s how it works.

3 minutes. This is a critical time when welcoming new people to the team. You have to show them how excited you are that they’re joining. If you’re not excited about a new person starting with you, how can you expect them to be excited? Don’t leave them hanging in reception. Ever.

3 hours. A big thing for new employees is to meet the CEO before lunch on their first day. This gives them an immediate sense of his vision and passion and allows them to catch a glimpse of his own spirit and excitement. It’s infectious and sets the tone for the rest of their career with the company.

3 days. Make sure everything is in place for your new person to start working. They’ve met everyone they need to. They know what’s expected in their first few months. They have all the tools they need to start work: access card, computer, workspace infrastructure, intimate knowledge of where the coffee and food are.

3 months. Give your new people clear milestones and constant support. We all know the first 3 months of a new job can be a bit like drinking from a fire hydrant. Everything’s new, and the amount of learning that takes place is off the charts. By showing them that they’re part of a bigger entity that has their backs is key to making sure they stay with the company, even when it all seems a bit too much.

Navigate those first few 3s successfully, and chances are they’ll turn into 3 years. And another 3. Because as you know, time flies when you’re having fun. You just have to plan the fun upfront.