Reed Hastings

Quotes are word for word from the source.

• People over perks

  “We believe that what makes a fantastic workplace isn't a great office or free meals and massages - although we have some nice perks. It's the people.”

  Our noteDefining what truly creates a high-quality work environment.

• Team vs Family

  “It's why we model ourselves on a professional sports team, not a family. Families are about unconditional love.”

  Our noteExplaining the performance-based philosophy of Netflix's culture.

• Context not control

  “We expect managers to practice context not control - giving their teams the context and clarity needed to make good decisions instead of trying to control everything themselves.”

  Our noteDescribing the preferred management style for empowering employees.

• Continuous improvement

  “We often say Netflix sucks today compared to where we can be tomorrow. We need the self-awareness to understand what should be better, and the discipline and resilience to get there.”

  Our noteThe mindset required to maintain excellence and growth.

• Individual accountability

  “For every significant decision, we identify an informed captain who's responsible for making a judgment call on the right way ahead.”

  Our noteHow Netflix avoids slow decision-making by committees.

• Simple Company Policies

  “Our vacation policy, for example, is two words: "Take vacation." And our expenses policy is just five words: "Act in Netflix's best interests.”

  Our noteHastings explains how Netflix replaces complex rulebooks with simple principles that rely on employee judgment.

• The Real Threat

  “In entertainment and technology, our biggest threat is a lack of creativity, adaptability and innovation.”

  Our noteDiscussing why avoiding process creep is vital for staying competitive in creative industries.

• Thriving in Ambiguity

  “Netflix works best if you value experimentation, enjoy the uncomfortable excitement of a new or challenging project and have the resilience to thrive in this environment.”

  Our noteDescribing the specific mindset required to succeed in a high-growth, high-risk company.

• Evolving Company Culture

  “It's also why we constantly seek to improve our culture, not preserve it. Every new employee helps shape how we work - finding new ways to accomplish more together.”

  Our noteExplaining that culture should be a living, improving system rather than a static set of rules.