In this episode, I sit down with Evan Katz and Josh Roberts, co-founders of Very Special Games, to delve into the principles of Trust-Based Leadership and its pivotal role in their company’s success. Evan and Josh share how Trust-Based Leadership has been instrumental in fostering a collaborative and innovative environment, enabling their small team to create engaging party games like Ransom Notes and Charty Party. We explore how Trust-Based Leadership has guided their decision-making processes and contributed to their rapid growth, culminating in their recognition on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies. Their journey from launching a Kickstarter campaign to building a thriving business underscores the impact of trust and mutual respect in leadership. Tune in to discover how cultivating trust within your team can drive creativity, resilience, and sustained growth.
- Trust-Based Leadership Unveiled
- Introducing Very Special Games
- The Foundation of Trust in Leadership
- Intentional Leadership Practices
- Leading by Example
- Embracing Experimentation
- Transparency and Open Communication
- Complaints and Grievances
- Balancing Feedback and Authenticity
- Navigating Healthy Conflict
Trust-Based Leadership: How Co-Founders Josh Roberts and Evan Katz Build a Collaborative Culture
In this episode, we dive into the principles of trust-based leadership with co-founders Josh Roberts and Evan Katz of Very Special Games, a dynamic tabletop games company. Their unique approach to leadership stems from complementary strengths, allowing them to support one another rather than compete or hamper each other’s efforts. Josh emphasizes that effective leadership involves mindful communication, especially in a small co-owned company where decisions aren’t unilaterally made. This balance fosters an environment where both leaders can express their views openly without undermining each other’s authority.
Results Over Hours: How Very Special Games’ Trust-Based Leadership Fuels Flexibility & Innovation
A significant takeaway is their open-ended vacation policy, which Josh compares to an “open-ended life policy.” In their view, success isn’t measured by hours clocked in but by the results achieved, promoting flexibility that allows team members to manage their personal responsibilities. Josh explains that this philosophy originated from their past experiences in a company with similar values and reflects their commitment to creating a work culture where results matter more than attendance. Evan adds that trust-based leadership also means giving team members the freedom to experiment and make decisions. He recounts how this approach improved their operation by empowering staff like their social media director to innovate and create effective content without micromanagement. Josh reinforces that accountability at a small company means that if a project fails, everyone sees it, driving a culture where leaders and team members are transparent about their successes and failures.
Transparency & Trust: How Open Communication and Open-Book Management Drive Success at Very Special Games
The conversation transitions into the importance of maintaining open lines of communication, illustrated by their monthly complaints and grievances sessions. Josh underlines that these discussions are vital for fostering trust, avoiding misunderstandings, and addressing issues before they escalate. Evan highlights that pairing these sessions with compliments and gratitudes helps cultivate a positive work environment where feedback flows freely. Another key discussion point is the idea of open-book management, with Josh acknowledging that transparency in sharing financials and operational details with team members enhances their ability to make informed decisions. Evan shares a specific example where providing their COO with financial insights led to more effective inventory management. This notion of transparency is critical; it invites team members to engage meaningfully in their roles and aligns everyone with the company’s objectives.
Trust, Ownership & Innovation: How Very Special Games Builds a Culture of Collective Success
As the conversation closes, they reflect on how prioritizing trust and fostering an experimental culture not only drives their company’s success but also cultivates a sense of ownership and collective responsibility among their team. Josh and Evan both recognize that a collaborative approach to leadership significantly enhances creativity and innovation, crucial elements in the competitive landscape of the games industry. Their journey exemplifies how trust and open communication can transform a workplace into one where employees feel valued and motivated to contribute their best ideas.
