Solving More Than Cubes: A Blueprint for Team Culture

A message from Chris...  

If you haven’t seen the Netflix documentary Speed Cubers, I highly recommend carving out 45 minutes to give it a watch. On the surface, it’s a film about solving Rubik’s Cubes… really fast. But very quickly, you realize it’s not just about solving puzzles. It’s about people and their relationships, their growth, and the quiet power of empathy, support, and celebration.

Speed Cubers is one of the clearest visual representations I’ve seen of “Rules of the Game” we use as a values framework at Game On. As I watched, I kept thinking, this is what it looks like to live these values out loud.

Let me set the scene:

For years, Australian speed cuber Feliks Zemdegs was the undisputed world champion. Then, a young cuber from California named Max Park - who is also autistic - burst onto the scene. You might expect a tense rivalry to follow. But what unfolds instead is a beautiful, complicated friendship, where two competitors consistently choose to support and uplift one another. Even at the highest levels of competition, they cheer for each other’s success.

Their relationship is a moving example of the kind of culture we’re trying to build with our teams and programs. It reminds us that how we show up for one another matters and that excellence and kindness aren’t mutually exclusive.

So, how does this connect to our Rules of the Game? Let’s break it down:

1. Laugh WITH, not AT

Watching Feliks and Max interact is a masterclass in mutual respect. Feliks never condescends or competes at Max’s expense. Instead, he invites joy into their interactions. They laugh together, never at one another. This kind of intentional kindness builds trust and psychological safety. When we remember to laugh with and not at, we make space for everyone to belong.

How to apply it:

Check yourself in moments of humor. Are your jokes building people up or cutting them down? Look for opportunities to create uplifting humor, shared joy, and lighthearted moments that connect rather than isolate.

2. Have Each Other’s Back

At multiple points in the documentary, Feliks and Max root for each other, even when they’re in direct competition. Feliks could’ve easily viewed Max as a threat. Instead, he chose to be an ally, mentor, and friend. This is exactly what it means to have someone’s back. It's a choice to lead with trust and to show up in ways that elevate others, even when the spotlight could be yours.

How to apply it:

Speak well of your teammates, even when they’re not in the room. Offer encouragement, and when you have a chance to help someone grow, take it. Loyalty and trust are built in those small but intentional moments.

3. Celebrate Small Wins

Max’s journey with autism brings extra meaning to every milestone he reaches. And his family - along with Feliks - celebrates every victory, big and small. These moments of joy remind us that leadership isn’t just about big speeches or top rankings. It’s about recognizing progress and validating effort.

How to apply it:

Call out the small stuff. Say “well done” when someone takes a risk, grows a skill, or simply shows up with a great attitude. Build a culture where success doesn’t have to be massive to be meaningful.

Final Thoughts…

As a dad, watching Speed Cubers with my kids sparked powerful conversations about friendship, empathy, and what it means to make others feel seen and valued. As a teammate and facilitator, it challenged me to be more intentional in how I show up for others.

So, if you haven’t seen it yet, I hope you’ll take the time to check it out. And when you do, I’d love to hear what moments stood out to you.

Let’s keep building cultures where people feel supported, celebrated, and connected… one small win at a time.

 Game On!