Culture is Critical

Culture...why is this one of the first things I am writing about?  I believe culture is EXTREMELY important to your experience.  It can be a wonderful reinforcer to help you develop your career or it can be a huge distraction that doesn't allow you to see clearly.

Culture is the way a company (or any group) interacts.  It is the way people treat each other.  Example words that can describe a culture: empowering, controlling, passionate, respectful, inclusive, toxic, entrepreneurial.  The key is to find a culture that fits you.  

There are multiple ways to figure out a company's culture.  

• Start with the company website in the Careers, About or ESG section.  Often the company publishes what the culture is.  Note that this may or may not reflect what it is really like day to day.  

• Go to Glassdoor.  This is where current and former employees rate a company.  

• If you are interviewing at a company: ask.  Simply ask what the culture is like.  Ideally you can ask multiple people to identify a theme.  If someone starts to squirm when you ask about the company culture, this is probably an indication that they don't like it.

You want to be in a place where you feel the right balance of being challenged, mentored and safe.  Working at a place where you don't feel safe is awful.  Working at a place where you feel mentored, empowered and safe is incredible.  Do the research to find the right culture for you.  Even if you decide to take a dream job at a company with a challenging culture, go in eyes wide open to the challenges you will face.

For more discussions on culture, check out the following podcasts: Dare to Lead (Brene Brown) | Work Life (Adam Grant)

How To Learn More

• Dig into my other writings on the job search process on The Search page.

  • Better understand your own skills and where you will be successful at Roles.

  • Check out my writings on various industries and departments at the Industries page.