If the culture fits, wear it
by Miki SaxonI write constantly about the importance of culture, and that why your MAP must be, at the least, synergistic with the culture of any company you join, no matter your position.But outside validation is always nice and Dave McGinn in Saturday’s Financial Post offers telling proof.
According to a recent survey of 200 executives from across Canada, the overwhelming majority — 99.9% — report there is a direct correlation between corporate culture and financial performance. As well, 77% said cultural fit is more important than skills in external hires. When it comes to hiring from within, 61% of the executives said fit outweighs skills. The study was conducted by Waterstone Human Capital, a Toronto-based search firm.
“Fit is critical,” says Marty Parker, Waterstone’s managing director. “Everyone recognizes that both skill sets and fit are important, but even at the senior executive level, you can teach skills.”…
Jerry Stilson, a partner at Cenera, a Calgary-based human resource and business consulting firm, says…”You can have all the skills in the world, but if you don’t fit into the culture, if you don’t fit with the values of the organization, it costs the company big money to replace you. … it is a two-way street. People have to figure out the kind of organization that works for them, too.”
So what does all this mean to you, personally?
First, really know yourself, your MAP, not just your public persona, but who you truly are.
Next, define the parameters of the values, attitudes, and philosophy that you can whole-heartedly support—this is a totally subjective exercise and has nothing to do with any specific position, responsibilities or salary.
Finally, be prepared to walk away from an offer where the culture isn’t at least synergistic with, or truly doesn’t fit, your MAP, just as quickly as you would walk from a candidate who didn’t fit.
