Finding a Compatible Work Environment

by Stephen Bangert, Ph.D.

Early in my career while working for a Fortune 500 company, I was assigned the project to design an in-house career development program. As part of the information-gathering stage, I conducted a number of interviews with executives at various levels of the organization and asked a series of questions to gain their professional insights and personal stories of how careers develop. I was interested in understanding why some people succeeded and why some failed.

I recall one senior-level manager taking extra time to share his insights, summarising with the saying, "People are hired for their skills and fired for their personalities." Having worked with thousands of managers, professionals and executives over time, I am reminded of the truth of that statement. It doesn't mean that a person has a lousy personality. It just means that over time things change and perhaps become incompatible.

For example, Tom had a successful eight-year career with a manufacturing company. He started as a sales rep, took on greater responsibilities as an area manager, then director of sales, and when I met him he was the vice president of sales and marketing. In the latter position he found himself reporting to the owner, whom he recognised to be a "micromanager"; his frustration grew as his decisions were constantly being undermined or reversed. What had changed? Tom had proven himself in each role, had been rewarded, and expressed new confidence as an executive. He was ready to shoulder greater decision-making responsibilities, but the owner's style presented a conflict. After eight months as vice president, Tom realised his boss was not going to change and began his job search.

Susan's story is also familiar. She had an outstanding career first in accounting and then in finance, and she held the position of CFO for four years. When the CEO retired, his replacement announced a new corporate strategy and had the Board's approval to "bring in his own team."

When I met Mike, he was excited about his new job. When we spoke two months later, he lacked any enthusiasm and spoke of resigning. He loved the challenge of his work, but the work environment and peer expectations clashed with his values. Most of his peers were single males who limited their conversation to sports and frequented the bars after work. While Mike enjoyed sports and an occasional drink, there were significant differences in lifestyle. Soon Mike found himself out of the loop and the butt of practical jokes. He was ready to leave the unprofessional environment.

Each story depicts an incompatibility that was no fault of my clients. Situations unfolded and the environments changed, causing a direct impact on each of the individuals.

 
Change is inevitable. In some cases you will have the choice of adapting by changing your attitude, adjusting your priorities or forming new networks. In other cases the choices may be few with little option other than searching for a new job.

When searching for a new job, beyond considering the position and responsibilities, give serious thought to factors of people, physical environment and corporate culture.

People

Consider the many people you will interact with in your new job - your boss, your peers, your reports, your vendors, your customers and your shareholders. Each individual has a personal style of interacting with others. The intensity of the relationship differs as does the frequency of interacting. In addition, some relationships are more important to foster and maintain than others.

When considering the people with whom you need to work closely, what are the personality traits that you favor in others or that you find promote a close working relationship? What level of competency do you expect? What degree of sharing information do you expect?

Physical environment

Consider the type of environment that you favor or that you find supports your working needs. What type of special needs do you have? Do you favor a relatively spacious, well-appointed office, or are you equally content in dimly lit, tight quarters? What importance do you place on lighting, on air quality, on temperature control, on noise reduction? What types of mechanical, electronic and logistical support do you need?

Corporate culture

Consider the impact of the corporate culture on your job and on your general state of satisfaction. What are the traditions? Are there "sacred cows"? What is the structure of the organization? What are the formal and informal lines of communication? What are the unspoken rules of order? What expectations are placed on you? What type of incongruities are excused with "we always do it this way" or "the boss likes it this way"?

In short, when evaluating a job offer, you need to go beyond the title, responsibilities and compensation. Job satisfaction is greatly influenced by the people you work with, the physical work environment and the corporate culture. Find a job where you can thrive, where you are challenged, where the people are genuine and where the environment is supportive. However, be assured that all of these factors will change over time, and as they change you have the choice of adapting yourself, changing the environment or leaving for greener pastures.

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