Before you commit to anyone or anything I want you to know that there is an ideal or right place for you.

The idea of a culture fit lies on the premise of a ‘perfect match.’

When a person discovers the ideal organisation (environment) where his or her talents are suitably nourished, acknowledged, developed, and rewarded, they have found their fit. This idea is comparable to how some fruits do better in particular environments. There are natural “sweet spots” where human talents and abilities can best bear fruit. Finding the particular setting that is essential to your success is your responsibility.

My personal story

More than 20 years ago, soon after I graduated from college, I discovered this phenomenon. I was delighted and honoured to be ‘courted’ by companies, and I still clearly recall how wonderful the on-campus recruiting staff made some of us feel.

Even though I was completely ignorant of the subtleties of culture, I saw that as I interacted with other organisations, I began to rely more on my intuition. Ranking my choices was an intuitive process. To verify my rankings and presumptions, I would move forwards with onsite visits.

However, I made a mistake…

As I was negotiating my contract, I tended to favour Company A over Company B since it offered somewhat greater compensation and more intangible benefits appropriate to my long-term performance. Even as I said yes to the offer, I had a bad feeling.

I accepted the offer, trying to console myself with the idea that money can make anything better. Sincerity be told, I realised my error right away. I contacted the recruiter for Company B that I had rejected after a few “troubling” days of second-guessing my choice and recognised my error in judgement. I acknowledged my error and expressed a desire to change my mind. In the end, I was given a second chance, and I gratefully took the employment offer.

I just discovered a crucial lesson on cultural fit, and I’d like to give some ideas on the essential qualities to take into account as well as the enquiries to make during your upcoming business deal, job interview, partnership or contract work arrangement, employment, or project.

5 Questions To Ask Before You Accept A Job Offer

1. Leadership:

Ask who defines, protects, guides and manages the values or mores of the venture, team, organization or company?

Do note the subtle differences between sets, protects (enforces), guides (preserves) and manages (handles)

2. People:

Ask how does the organization treat her most precious assets – people. How people are treated is vital. Ask the employees questions, go online and do some searches as well. Especially how those that do not have a voice or visible. Are they held in high esteem as well?

3. Symbols:

Ask for the symbols that itemize the values of the organizations and seek to understand their meaning. The symbols reveal what is important to the organization

4. Stories:

What are the stories that are valued highly and representative of the core values of the company. These stories tell the tales of courage, excellence and the virtues held dear by the organization.

5. Communication:

Enquire about the organization’s communication procedure. How does knowledge spread? Who reports problems first, and are employees given communication rights? What sources do workers use for information? What methods does the leadership team employ to communicate information?

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important for the applicant to remember that culture can not be separated from leadership and before an offer is accepted it is imperative that due diligence has been performed. I wish you unending success in your next assignment, engagement, and interactions.