Many companies spend significant resources to promote brand awareness to customers, employees, and investors. A common part of the brand is often core values and cultural standards which positively distinguish the company from their peers. Unfortunately as recent new stories confirm, the acts of board members, senior officials and other employees often negatively distinguish them. Examples closer to home include a school superintendent, a police chief, a city administrator, and perhaps even people down the street or next door.
In Peak Perspectives we often have articles on leadership and job fit, two key drivers of employee success. However, a vital element of job fit is sometimes taken for granted. That element is fit with the company’s culture and values. Specifically are the candidate’s normal behaviors and attitudes aligned with the leaders as well as with other employees? If it is a wide gap, the new employee likely will either be dissatisfied enough to quit or the supervisor will fire them. Either outcome is bound to be costly. If the gap is narrower the impact may be more subtle such as a gradual deterioration of the company culture and values. That outcome can of course be even costlier.
As always we welcome your comments and feedback.
