Startups quickly find that they’ve got culture. Either they intentionally built it on an ethical foundation from day one, or they’ve got an accidental culture that may not reflect the values of the founders.

It’s easier to start from the ground up and build your foundation on the mission, vision, values, and ethics you want from your first day.

One way to start this conversation is to imagine your company in three, five, and ten years, and ask your team, what would make this company the best place you’ve ever worked? And how can we build it to be that way?

Then listen. Engage all of the people on your team and take time to understand your common values. You won’t regret it.

Contact me if I can help facilitate strategic conversations in your company to build on an ethical foundation. And enjoy this Forbes Coaches Council article I contributed to with 12 ideas for building an ethical foundation!