It isn’t just fit to the job – but to the culture as well … And it is becoming ever more important!

Take control of your consistent emotions and begin to consciously and deliberately reshape your daily experience of life. - Tony Robbins

 You often hear people talk about finding the right fit to a job and how critically important this is. At times, people find themselves in jobs that just do not align to their personality, interests, temperament – and the results are usually poor and sadly predicable. They end of leaving the job or the company asks them to leave the job. Normally not a pleasant experience.

 As of late, I have worked with clients who loved their job – but despised the culture of the company they work for – so they leave. I am hearing this more than ever before, and the culture of a company starts with one’s boss – they set the agenda. Disconnect to culture or management is the number one reason people leave jobs. Yup – not money!

 That is why career consultants inform – no preach – to those who will listen that you need to be certain of your fit to a job or career before jumping in. At times the grass seems greener on the “other” side – but it may not be if the role isn’t right for one. Assuring that you fit to a job or career brings satisfaction on all levels of life as your job – where you spend 80% of your waking time working at or thinking about – can often define your level of life satisfaction and happiness.

 But it goes beyond fit to the job … Fit to culture is as well critical
 Finding the right fit to a job or career is critical as I have said. As critical in many cases, is finding the right fit to the culture of your employer or prospective employer. I have met so many people who loved what they do every day and are happy and connected in their career, but disconnected from the culture of the organization they work for.

 Defining Company Culture
 There are several descriptions but I feel this one sums it up:

 A blend of the values, beliefs, taboos, symbols, rituals and myths all companies develop over time. - (www.entrapreneur.com)

 Culture is, as you can see, an interesting mix of factors – some real; others perceived. The best way to evaluate the culture of the company – the real culture and not the one that is posted on the web site or in the mission statement - is to talk to employees, current and former. That is where you really learn how the company operates (values, beliefs, taboos, symbols, rituals) versus what is said on how they operate, treat employees and service the customer (the myths).  Of course, you need to  temper what you learn – the person conveying the info to you may be tainted or have an agenda but nevertheless, you will learn.
 It is also important to know thyself – and understand the culture that you best work in as well as the constructs of a job that fits your cultural needs in order to be truly successful.

 So you love your job – but not your company?
 Very common. Some find themselves in a situation where they just love the job they do, but they don’t have the same feeling for the organization they work for. Perhaps they did at one time, but then the company changed. This is so true after new management or after mergers & acquisitions. When faced with this the decision is usually clear – time to move on and do what you love to do in another organization. It is sad yes and difficult, but the right thing for you to do for yourself and the company. If you are not engaged with the company, your commitment and performance will eventually suffer, and that hurts all.

 Taking control is the most important step
 You cannot move forward, grow, prosper or get yourself into a better situation if you do not take control and be personally responsible for your own career. Your employer isn’t going to manage your career for you – you must. One step – pledge to make 2012 the year you put yourself in the driver seat of your career and navigate your own way.

 Only you can define your own destiny. Only you control how high you grow. And thank you for reading this. – Dan

 Dan Moran
President & Founder
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Corporate Management Services
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