Sweep the Floors

This weekend, my team was in charge of facilitating an offsite for the organization. Part of the day involved escorting our executive team from their shuttle to the conference room.

The team was busy prepping the meeting, so I decided to take on the task of escorting them from security.

While I was standing by the flagpole, the security guard approached me with a curious look. “Are you the EA for the team?” he asked.

I smiled and shook my head. “No, I’m not,” I replied.

He raised an eyebrow, glancing around at the gate. “Then why are you here doing gate duty?”

Without hesitation, I answered, “Because on our team, everyone sweeps the floors!”

His expression shifted to one of understanding, and he nodded. It was a small moment, but it spoke volumes about our team’s culture—pitching in wherever needed, no matter your title.

If you’ve ever worked with me, there are a few key values I will always uphold. “Everyone sweeps the floors” is one I first learned while at Redfin, and it has stayed with me ever since.

The phrase refers to a culture where all team members, regardless of their position or title, are willing to handle tasks that may be outside their usual responsibilities—even the less glamorous or menial ones. It’s about teamwork, humility, and a shared commitment to the success of the organization.

This mindset often thrives in startups or smaller companies, where employees need to wear many hats. But more than that, it reflects a leadership philosophy where no job is considered beneath anyone. It fosters collaboration and a sense of equality among teammates.

I love this value because it shows humility while also demonstrating confidence in doing what’s needed. Best of all, it’s a principle that can be applied every day, in countless practical ways.

Are you having a hard time connecting with your team or keeping them motivated? Try sweeping the floor.