Fast Company’s March issue is devoted to "the world’s 50 most innovative companies." I was not surprised that Google was number one on their list. I was surprised that they devoted a full 18 pages to Google. Yes, that’s right. 18 full color pages, with short profiles and photos of over a dozen employees.

Some of the more interesting quotes from the employee profiles:

"When in doubt, do something. If you have two paths and you’re not sure which is right, take the fastest path. It’s easier to keep moving and change course than when you’re sitting and thinking and thinking." –David Glazer, Engineering Director

This is the fail fast approach, which probably makes sense if you are committed to learning from your mistakes.

"My impression early on was, "Wow, you hire a guy who’s an expert….and let him run with it! You don’t get in his way or micromanage." After a year or so, I realized this is the way everything works here." –Josef Desimone, Executive Chef

Clearly, the DNA of Google permeates everything in the business, including how they treat the people who cook in the cafeteria. Now that’s amazing.

"Our philosophy is providing all the great things you would have in a PhD or graduate program. That’s how you’re going to attract people who are interested in working in a collaborative environment." –Anne Driscoll, HR Manager

This reminds me of what Bell Labs used to be like. Sadly, Bell Labs was backed by a business with a monopolistic heritage. Google is all free market and hopefully, can continue leveraging a great culture into a healthy bottom line.

"People here don’t start with conclusions. They start with questions."–Tim Armstrong, President of Advertising and Commerce in North America

Hooray for questions. They are what helps us move to the next place, instead of regurgitating the old stuff.

There’s also a profile of their chief economist, the executive director of their philanthropy arm (www.google.org), and their green energy czar.  A fresh inside look at Google.