Foundation · Step 7 of 7
Set your culture before it sets itself.
Decide how decisions get made and how conflict gets handled while the team is small. Culture forms by default if you don't set it first.
Saves time
A values deck, a meeting rhythm and a decision framework assemble into a handbook, with no blank document to start from.
Saves money
Clear decision rights stop stalls and repeated arguments, which cost a small team more than almost anything.
Solid footing
A written handbook that new hires, contractors and advisors can read on day one.
The activity in this step
Each one hands its answer to the next, so you never start from a blank page.
Activity 1
Culture Map
Values, rhythm and decisions, written down.
The usual way
Values written once for the website and never used.
With ViableBrand
Pick from 30 values across six themes, plus anti-values like “no brilliant jerks”. Set a meeting rhythm (it adapts if you're solo), assign decision roles, and add a rule for breaking stalls.
You walk away with: A culture handbook you can copy and share.
What comes in
Your team size from Co-founders and your company name.
What goes forward
Foundation complete: the company, team and paperwork are in place for the Financial stage.
Write it down while you're small.
Your first Blue Ocean report is free, with no card needed. Every step of the journey, including this one, lives in the Founders Hub.
Start freeValidation · Foundation · Financial · Launch