The Cult-Like Cultures of Visionary Companies: Why Belonging Beats Perks

Inside the Rituals, Values, and Traditions That Make Great Companies Unbreakable

Step inside the headquarters of a truly great company, and you’ll sense it immediately: the energy, the unity, the sense of purpose that permeates every hallway and meeting room. While outsiders might focus on the perks—free lunches, nap pods, or game rooms—the real secret to these companies’ success lies much deeper. As Jim Collins and Jerry Porras reveal in Built to Last, visionary companies create what can only be described as cult-like cultures. Here, belonging is everything.

These organizations do not try to be all things to all people. Instead, they define a set of core values and traditions so clearly that employees either fit in and flourish or quickly realize it’s not for them. This binary outcome is not a flaw, but a feature—it ensures that the culture remains strong, consistent, and true to its founding principles even as the company grows.

New hires are welcomed with immersive onboarding experiences, storytelling sessions, and sometimes even boot camps that indoctrinate them into the company’s way of life. Annual ceremonies, badges of honor, and public celebrations of the company’s history reinforce the shared sense of purpose. Employees who thrive in this environment become part of a family; those who don’t, quickly find their way out.

This intense focus on culture pays off. Employees are more engaged, more loyal, and more willing to go above and beyond. The organization moves as one, able to weather storms and seize opportunities with a unity that competitors can only envy.

For leaders looking to build a culture that lasts, the lesson is clear: perks come and go, but a strong sense of belonging is the ultimate competitive advantage. Define your values, live them every day, and create rituals that bring your people together. The result? A company that is truly built to last.

References: Built to Last by Jim Collins & Jerry Porras; Runn.io blog; Readingraphics summary.