Why should we care about company culture?
‘Culture' is becoming a a buzz word in the corporate world.
Companies know that their employees are seeking more than just a pay cheque and are paying more attention to the environment they create.
In my view, culture is the way people think, act and behave in a certain group. So there can be national cultures all the way through to the culture at your local rugby club. There are lots of different cultures, or groups, everywhere we look.
We get to choose where we spend our time. And the culture, how we feel while we're in a particular environment, impacts those choices.
I'm hearing more and more that people are leaving their current employers because of a culture clash. The employee just doesn't like the way things get done there. Or doesn't like the behaviour they see.
If you're in this position, how can you be sure that the culture is any better elsewhere? Or if you're hiring into your team, how can you be sure that the new person will fit your team culture?
I read a recent Inc article by David Walker, CEO of Triplemint, who talks about his hiring experience. He's created 4 questions that help him assess cultural fit when hiring:
1) How did the culture at your last company empower or disempower you?
2) What were the characteristics of the best boss you've ever had?
3) Describe how you handled a conflict with one of your co-workers.
4) What kind of feedback do you expect to receive in this role and how often do you expect to receive it?
Now how do we flip these if you're the one sat in the interviewee seat? The verbal (and non verbal!) responses to these questions will give you an insight whether you want to be there or not:
1) How would you describe the company culture here?
2) What is the company response when someone makes a mistake?
3) How do your employees support their local communities?
4) What coaching and training will be available to support me?
