Even A Great Job & Salary Don't Matter When You Don't Fit In
Job seekers are often told they must research the culture of an organization - and the importance of this cannot be overemphasized.
Even A Great Job & Salary Don't Matter When You Don't Fit In
The Importance of Culture for the Job Seeker
The importance of company culture cannot be overemphasized. Job seekers are often told they must research the culture of an organization. One of the definitions of “culture” in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is “a way of thinking, behaving, or working that exists in a place or organization (such as a business).”
So how does one explore culture…and why is it so important?
This month we turn to Dave Siefert, who has over five decades of both private and public sector experience in a wide range of industries and executive and leadership positions. He is currently participating in a National Federal Department of Labor TAACCCT Grant at Sinclair Community College creating a new competency-based accelerated learning education system – initially focusing on the information technology industry (Sinclair Accelerate IT). Dave believes in the uniqueness and diversity, the value of each person, and the enormous human potential.
Define culture for us.
Think of culture in layers. The outermost layer is macro-socioeconomic; that is, the expected beliefs and behaviors in society as a whole. The next layer is entity-based, and this refers to company culture. The innermost layer is our personal culture – who we are as individuals – our personal values, beliefs and behaviors. “Culture” is very, very important – do you know your values and beliefs that drive your behavior?
What makes up our personal culture?
Our values, beliefs, and behaviors comprise who we are as individuals. Professional happiness is ultimately the extent our personal culture matches that of an organization. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What is my personal culture?
- What is the company’s culture?
To what extent, is my personal culture aligned with the company’s culture?
Understanding our “values” is very important to our success and our happiness. To the extent there is a disconnect, dissatisfaction results.
How do I know I am misaligned with a company? Or about to misalign myself with a company?
Telltale signs include depression, dissatisfaction, a lack of self-esteem, incomplete tasks, fatigue, and a loss of desire to go to work. While we all have challenging days at work, a pattern of any of the above signs is an indication that we are most likely not in a healthy culture. When something does not “feel right,” more than likely, it isn’t right!
How do I change my circumstance? Or move on to a better fit?
First, consider your long-term vision and your interests. What makes you happy? What is it that you want out of a job? The answers to those questions are different for everyone.
Second, ask short-term questions about the aspects of the job that are not in the job description or were not part of the interview. Research the background and history of the company. You may find things you like or dislike about the company’s reputation locally, nationally, and even abroad.
Third, talk to others within the organization about their perception of the organization’s values, beliefs, and behaviors. People who have this firsthand knowledge can be very instrumental in the decision you make.
Lastly, when preparing for a job interview, plan to interview those interviewing you! Understand your personal culture and identify questions that will help you to understand the organization’s culture. There is nothing worse than getting the job, getting paid well, but hating the work environment!
We all have the potential to do things beyond our wildest dreams but often allow others or our circumstances to limit us. It’s time to fulfill our dreams by choosing an environment that gives us hope, opportunity, and contentment.
Now…go live out your dream!
