Besides healthy debates of “Pirates vs. Ninjas,” there are a few things that enhance and improve the culture of creativity here at MicroArts Creative Agency:

1. Intimacy. There is no behemoth Madison-Avenue bureaucracy here. MicroArts is a small and nimble creative brand agency. The designers and developers sit together in one room. No cubicles. No walls. No secrets! Everyone knows what the other is doing. And because of this, our people truly get to know each other personally.

2. Collaboration. A creative agency our size needs to practice teamwork. We complement each other. We need each other. We nurture creativity by making ourselves available to bounce ideas off, pitch in, and take on new tasks. More than a practice, this is an ideology. Teamwork defines us. And when everyone pitches in, everyone takes greater pride in all creative and online projects.

3. Focus. Everyone concentrates on common goals and deadlines. We share a collective purpose to create tangible deliverables and success for our clients.

4. Commitment. We are as dedicated to our creative agency as we are to our clients. We understand that if the company wins, the individuals win.

5. Empathy. Creative teams are made up of diverse personalities. We need to respect other’s opinions and points of view. With that understanding in place, we all can be comfortable speaking our mind.

6. Accountability. This is a two-way street. Be accountable for your actions. And hold other’s accountable for theirs. Do the right thing all the time.

7. Derring-do. OK, this is a blatant shout out to the pirates out there. But a creative agency can’t be afraid of changing seascapes. We must face the future with courage and self-confidence.

8. Optimism. Negativity is a toxin that can destroy any organization. On the other hand (and although it’s often described as “contagious”), a positive attitude is a strong panacea that heals, strengthens, and invigorates entire projects or companies.

9. Trust. Believe in your skills. Believe in the team. And when it comes to a pirate versus a ninja, believe what you want. … But a Viking could kick their drunken and stealthy butts eight ways to Sunday.