Google is always near the top of every "Best Employers" list, including Business Insider's exclusive list with Payscale that was announced today (where it was ranked No. 2).

The tech company has figured out the secret to attracting the best talent in the world, while also allowing people to truly enjoy their work.

Its founders know that in order to achieve maximum productivity and real breakthroughs in innovation, there needs to be a "no fear" environment.

And that comes from the top down.

Visionary leaders are extremely selective over whom they hire (Google, for example, is known for its excruciatingly long interview process). They will also ruthlessly eliminate bad hires, no matter how talented.

In short, the most innovative companies understand that the only way to stay at the forefront of their industry is by maintaining a strong company culture.

According to the authors of Tribal Leadership, all companies exist in one of five stages. The first two are about survival, the third is about the ego (everyone is out for themselves), and the last two are where employees are focused on something larger than themselves, which helps them achieve breakthroughs in innovation.

Most companies get caught up in "Stage 3" behaviors because that's how our education system is structured, with a focus on individual achievement. Authors Dave Logan, John King and Halee Fischer-Wright explain that "a person enters Stage 3 when he finds his groove, acquires confidence, and is recognized for his gifts. People told us about an awakening of personal ambition that turned to a drive for career success, coupled with recognition that they had work to do."

That's not bad in and of itself, but solely focusing on personal achievement is limiting. It becomes a zero-sum game. At the end of the day, there's only so much you can accomplish by yourself.


Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-create-a-fearless-office-culture-2013-2#ixzz2K2vxArPZ