Page 208 - How America's Best Places to Work Inspire Extra Effort in Extraordinary Times

Job Enrichment and Professional Growth C195

I’m really proud that we hung in with Sugar Bear. (Interviewer’s note:
Mr. Weston’s colleague Rachel Ferry, a new Racker, was also pres-
ent for the interview. She immediately chimed in that Sugar Bear’s
orientation “was an awesome way to start my career as a Racker.”)
We believe strongly in helping Rackers develop their strengths. I
teach a two-hour class on strengths. Helping Rackers appreciate their
strengths allows people to say, “This is me.” It’s very liberating . . .
very important for our management to emphasize.
Jackson: We are all passionate about this company. Over time, like
in my case and countless others, our natural strengths will bubble up.
Our leaders allow people to explore where they fit best, and managers
aren’t protective of their people, keeping them from exploring other
options inside Rackspace.

Q: Because of your strong culture—what you describe as “cul-
ture thick”—do some people have difficulty fitting in?
Weston: We have low empathy for people who come into Rackspace and
believe they can and must immediately command respect because of their
previous experience. We tell people if their experience helps you with your
job, great. You command respect by participating, not pontificating.
There’s no business royalty at Rackspace. There are no trappings
here. Our new office is made up of cubicles. With our growth and
recently becoming a public company, we are challenged to find people
who can adapt to our culture.
Jackson: A flat hierarchy doesn’t allow any place for senior manage-
ment to hide. If senior management isn’t paying attention to how
Rackers are feeling about their jobs, others are and feel very capable
of speaking up.

Q: How important is recognition to employee satisfaction at
Rackspace?
Weston: We’re very careful about our heroes. Our Rackers want to
be in a company where the symbols of what is important to them are
valued. We have several awards to honor our heroes. One is named
after a Racker who courageously saved the life of a colleague in the