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Learning the Corporate Culture

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To use a simple analogy, fitting into a company's corporate culture is like buying a new pair of shoes.  You want shoes that provide comfort, match your personal style, and last long enough to get you where you want to go.  If the shoes aren't a good fit, you probably won't get very far, and you'll likely feel miserable.

The same holds true when shopping for a career and, ultimately, a place of employment.  You want to look for and select a corporate environment that makes you comfortable, reflects your taste and style, and allows you to function and move along with ease.  Whether or not you'll be happy working at a particular company will largely depend on how well you personally fit in with the company, and how comfortable you are with the company's corporate culture.  Like a pair of new shoes, the company and you have to fit just right.

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Every workplace has a culture, and no two are ever alike.  A company's culture often reflects the operating tastes, preferences, and style of the company's chief executive.  He or she ultimately sets the tone and shapes the work environment.  Quite simply, the corporate culture is the operating work environment that is set and shaped by the executive:

Individually and collectively, these factors will likely determine if a company is right for you, or if you are right for the company.

As you'll no doubt discover, corporate cultures evolve over time, and workplace environments often change, sometimes significantly, whenever a new executive takes the helm.  During such times, everyone, from top executives on down, must adapt and adjust to new ways of doing business.  How well you're able to adapt to changes in the work environment will also affect your overall happiness and success at the company.

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Simply stated, there's no getting around it.  If you want to be successful at a company, and enjoy where you work, you need to adapt to the company's culture.  The company won't adapt to you, unless, of course, you're hired as the chief executive officer!  Only then will you be in a position to change and shape corporate ways.

If you look at people who succeed and move ahead in the corporate environment, you'll find they are people who are able to fit their individuality and personal style within the boundaries of the culture.  They are people who:

In short, those who succeed are able to adapt to the company's ways.  They learn and understand how to swim with the corporate tide while working toward achieving the company's goals.

As a new employee, it's best to stand back for a period of time and observe the company's tide carefully before you jump in, figuratively speaking, and cause possible waves.  You need to know exactly which way the company's tide is going before you dive into deep water!  Remember, you want to swim with the current, not against it.

In other words, when you begin any new job, spend the first few months studying every aspect of the company and begin adapting your dress, manner, and performance to fit the work environment.  During that time, simply observe so you can learn the company.  Remember - no two companies are alike, so there will be much to learn about the company's culture.  During that time, don't be afraid to ask questions.

A word about mentorship:

If you have the opportunity, consider pairing up with a model co-worker (a mentor) -- someone who has worked at the company for a long time -- to learn the ins and outs of the company.  A fellow employee with whom you feel comfortable can serve as a helpful resource and guide.  Perhaps you could arrange to meet the co-worker during lunch or coffee breaks.

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There are many important aspects of the company's culture that you, as a new employee, need to learn and adapt to as quickly as possible if you want to successfully assimilate into the company and enjoy where you work.  Remember, your ability to adapt and contribute to the company will be a great measure of your success.  But you can have fun during the learning process.

The following Observation Guide highlights five key company areas to observe, and the Guide will provide you with simple checklists to hone your powers of observation!  Try completing as many of them as you can.

Again, if you have the opportunity to pair up with a model co-worker (mentor), the co-worker can be a good source of information for completing the checklist!

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Checklist Contents:

1.     Company Standards
2.     Management Standards
3.     Employee Standards
4.     Grooming Standards
5.     Dress Standards

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#1:    Company Standards:

The most important learning for a new employee is getting an answer to this question:   What are employees expected to do to fulfill the company's mission, values, goals and objectives?  

Be prepared to be patient and tenacious to get this question answered!  The company's ability to answer this question is part of its culture.  Some companies answer the question upfront and do a good job of communicating it at all levels of the organization.  Others leave it up to the employee to gain, through experience, an understanding of what it means to work there.  

The following checklist will give you some guidance on what questions to ask and what information to look for:    (12 items)

________________________________________

1.     According to the company's mission statement (see if it's available in writing), 
        the company's mission is to:

___  provide quality service
___  provide quality products
___  promote customer satisfaction
___  meet market needs and demands
___  other:  ________________________________________________

2.     To fulfill the company's mission, employees are expected to:

___  provide quality service
___  provide quality workmanship
___  meet quality standards
___  provide good customer service
___  meet customers' service needs
___  meet company work demands
___  other:  ________________________________________________

3.     The company's long-range goals are to:

___  increase company profit margins
___  expand in size or location
___  diversify products or service
___  increase production to meet demands
___  other:  ________________________________________________

4.     The company's short-term goals are to:

___  reduce company expenses and costs
___  incorporate new technologies
___  streamline production or services
___  increase the number of customers
___  other:  ________________________________________________

5.     For the company to fulfill its goals and objectives, employees are expected to:

___  produce quality work
___  work efficiently
___  trim company costs
___  upgrade skills as needed
___  provide quality customer service
___  other:  ________________________________________________

6.     The image the company strives to project to the public includes:

___  quality service
___  efficient service
___  quality products
___  quality workmanship
___  customer satisfaction
___  interest in meeting customer needs
___  other:  ________________________________________________

7.     To help promote that image, employees are expected to:

___  provide quality service
___  provide efficient service
___  produce quality work
___  produce quality products
___  apply quality workmanship
___  treat customers in a professional, courteous manner
___  show interest in customers
___  other:  _______________________________________________

8.     The values that guide and characterize the company include:
        (see if the company has a written copy available)

___  respect for the dignity and worth of others
___  respect for individual differences
___  professional growth of employees
___  honest and open communication
___  cooperation
___  teamwork
___  creativity, originality, and innovation
___  ethical treatment
___  ethical use of resources and funds
___  others:  ______________________________________________
                      ______________________________________________

9.     The company expects employees to incorporate those values into the workplace by:

___  treating others with respect
___  respecting individual differences
___  engaging in professional growth activities
___  allowing for open dialogue and discussion
___  cooperating with others
___  being a good team player
___  applying creative and original thought
___  coming up with innovative ideas
___  coming up with innovative solutions
___  applying ethical treatment and standards
___  properly using resources and funds
___  other:  _______________________________________________

10.   Company policies and standards for work behavior include:

___  promptness
___  cooperation
___  showing respect for others
___  professional conduct
___  professional communication
___  limited visiting during work hours
___  no or limited personal calls during work hours
___  no or limited personal use of the Internet
___  No or limited personal use of e-mail
___  No eating or drinking in presence of customers
___  No eating or drinking at work area
___  No smoking in specified areas
___  other:  ______________________________________________

11.   Company policies and standards for health and safety include:

___  no drug or alcohol use
___  use of eye goggles
___  use of gloves
___  use of hairnets
___  hand washing
___  use of masks
___  use of hard hats
___  safety training
___  other:  _____________________________________________

12.   Company policies and standards for work performance include:

___  quality work produced
___  quality work performance
___  quality workmanship
___  quality customer service
___  maintaining a good record (driving, for example)
___  meeting deadlines
___  meeting quotas
___  meeting production standards and requirements
___  other:  _____________________________________________

#2:     Management Standards

This important learning might be your first priority when you are employed.  Try to become familiar with this checklist before you start a new job as it will help guide your questions during your orientation, and throughout the training process.  If you don't have a formal training program, use part of the time with your supervisor to get familiar with these issues.  Your success will depend on it!  

Three key learning questions will be:

The following checklist will hopefully help you get answers to these questions!     (10 items)

___________________________________________

1.     Quality performance for evaluation purposes is determined by:

___  workmanship
___  the amount of work accomplished in a set period of time
___  attention to detail
___  accuracy
___  customer satisfaction
___  sales volume
___  number of items produced
___  number of people served
___  quotas met
___  outcomes
___  other:  ________________________________________________

2.       The department manager expects employees to demonstrate:

___  quality performance
___  quality workmanship
___  good organization
___  honesty and integrity
___  efficient use of time
___  cooperation
___  collaboration as a good team player
___  respect for others and individual differences
___  promptness
___  good customer service
___  professional appearance and presentation
___  adherence to policies and practices
___  dedication 
___  a willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of the company
___  other:  ________________________________________________

3.     The department management's decision-making style is:

___  a.  democratic -   management seeks and considers input from 
                                      employees regarding all decisions made.

___  b.  occasionally democratic -   management seeks and considers 
                                                             input from employees regarding some 
                                                             decisions made.

___  c.  autocratic -   management makes decisions on their own with little 
                                    or no input from employees.

4.     The management's style and mode of operation tends to be:

A.   ___ management-oriented  ___ employee-oriented  ___ both             
B.   ___ supportive   ___ fairly supportive   ___ non-supportive                        
C.   ___ formal   ___semi-formal   ___ semi-casual   ___ casual
D.   ___ reserved   ___ somewhat reserved   ___ friendly-open
E.   ___ directive   ___ somewhat directive   ___ consensus-oriented
F.   ___ restrictive   ___ somewhat restrictive   ___ non-restrictive
G.  ___ controlling   ___ fairly controlling   ___ non-controlling
H.  ___  supervision level:   ___ high   ___ moderate   ___  low 

5.     The management strives to create a work environment that is:

___  professional in appearance and operation
___  efficient and well-organized
___  relaxed and casual
___  welcoming to clients or customers
___  fast-moving  (employees are expected to work in fast frenzy)
___  productive  (employees are expected to look busy at all times)
___  other:  ______________________________________________

6.     The management's interaction with employees could be described as:

___  impersonal -  management strictly talks business and displays little
                                or no interest in employees' personal lives;  employees
                                are discouraged from bringing anything personal to work.

___  semi-personal -  management visits but guards and limits the amount
                                     of personal information shared with employees;
                                     management takes a limited interest in employees
                                     personal lives.

___  personal -   management visits and shares personal information with
                             employees;  management takes an interest in employees' 
                             personal lives.

7.     The amount of contact the management desires to have with employees is:

___  frequent   ___  occasional   ___  minimal   ___ only when problems arise

8.     The management prefers interacting with employees:

___  only during certain times of the day
___  only during certain times of the week
___  only at meetings
___  only at specified scheduled times
___  only at times when it's convenient for the manager
___  only when there is a problem or crisis
___  whenever an employee has a question or concern
___  other:  __________________________________________________

9.     Regarding general matters and questions, the management prefers employees
        communicate with them by: 

___  meeting in-person
___  e-mail
___  memo
___  phone
___  other:  _______________________________

10.    The management prefers employees meet with them by:

___  walk-in  (any time)
___  walk-in  (only at specified times)
___  appointment
___  scheduled meeting times  (arranged on a daily or weekly basis)
___  other:  _______________________________

 

#3:     Employee Standards

You may find written "policies" for certain employee standards, but there are "ways of doing things around here" that may not be written down anywhere.  Sometimes in big companies, individual divisions or departments will have their own "ways of doing things," so you'll find different standards depending on the unit where you work.

Important:   Do not take one person's word for what is expected of employees.  Besides your supervisor, you can seek out a co-worker who is a "natural leader" as a resource to double-check what you are seeing and hearing.

The following checklist highlights important employee "standards" you'll want to carefully observe!
(24 items)

___________________________________________

Working trends:

1.     Employees work as a team:

___ frequently     ___ occasionally     ___ seldom     ___ never

2.     Employees strive to make a good impression by:

___ keeping busy at all times
___ working after hours
___ meeting deadlines
___ volunteering for assignments
___ taking on additional tasks to assist others
___ being a good team player
___ showing a cooperative spirit
___ projecting a nice appearance and manner
___ providing quality service
___ working in an organized and orderly way
___ showing self-reliance and resourcefulness by handling minor problems 
        independently
___ applying sound judgment in decision-making
___ thinking of creative solutions
___ initiating work tasks without prompting
___ other:  ______________________________________________

3.     The manner employees use when addressing the public is: 

___ courteous     ___ professional     ___ semi-casual     ___ casual

4.     Employees handle difficult customers by:

___ staying calm
___ applying good listening skills
___ identifying solutions
___ offering assistance
___ showing concern for the customer
___ other: _______________________________________________

5.     Employees make effective use of their time by:

___ setting up and following a schedule
___ keeping their work organized
___ setting weekly and daily goals
___ scheduling their hardest work during their peak performance hours
___ keeping "To Do" lists
___ prioritizing work to be done
___ other:  ______________________________________________

6.     During slow times, employees keep busy by: 

___ reorganizing their work area
___ catching up on work-related correspondence
___ restocking supplies
___ catching up on work-related reading
___ cleaning out files
___ updating computer data and files
___ learning new skills
___ cleaning the work area
___ initiating a work project
___ other:  _____________________________________________

7.     Employees meet deadlines by:

___ working overtime
___ taking work home
___ working through lunch breaks
___ working weekends
___ prioritizing tasks
___ rescheduling non-essential work activities
___ sacrificing personal plans and needs
___ other:  ____________________________________________

8.     Employees manage work-related stress by: 

___ taking time-outs
___ listening to music
___ taking a walk or exercising
___ using relaxation techniques (describe: _____________________)
___ using humor
___ other:  ______________________________________________

9.     Employees vent frustration or anger by:

___ taking time-outs
___ talking to friends and family outside work
___ reframing thoughts, outlook and attitude to keep positive 
___ talking to a fellow employee
___ talking to the supervisor
___ taking a walk or exercising
___ using a sense of humor to lighten the air
___ other:  _____________________________________________

 10.   The work behavior of employees could be described as:

___ highly professional - employees use much restraint in what they
                                           say and do  (they're very careful)
___ semi-professional -  employees use considerable restraint in
                                           what they say and do (they're careful)
___ semi-casual -  employees use some restraint in what they say
                                 and do (they're fairly careful)
___ casual -  employees use little or no restraint in what they say
                       and do (how they communicate and act is not an issue)

11.   At employee work sites, employees:

___ play music
___ eat
___ drink
___ display a few personal photos or items
___ decorate with plants, pictures
___ other:  ____________________________________________

12.   Employee work sites tend to be:

___ neat in appearance
___ uncluttered
___ organized
___ clean and tidy
___ other:  ____________________________________________

13.   While working, employees make non-emergency personal calls:

___ frequently     ___ occasionally     ___ seldom     ___ never

14.   While working, employees receive personal calls:

___ frequently     ___ occasionally     ___ seldom     ___ never

15.   Employees contact personnel in other departments for:

___ information   ___ consultation   ___ referrals   ___ forms   ___ data
___ supplies        ___ other:  ________________________________

16.   The preferred method for contacting personnel in other departments is by:

___ phone   ___ e-mail   ___ memo   ___ fax   ___ walk-in   ___ appointment

17.   Employees address and solve most problems they encounter:

___ individually on their own (independently)
___ as a team
___ by using resources and references to locate information needed
___ by asking a co-worker for help - How frequently? _______________
___ by asking the supervisor for help - How frequently? _____________
___ other:  _______________________________________________

Employee interactions:

18.   Interaction among employees could be described as:

___ formal     ___ semi-formal     ___ semi-casual     ___ casual

19.   While working, employees visit with each other:

___ frequently   ___ occasionally   ___ seldom   ___ never

20.   Employees tend to visit with each other at these times:

___ when they arrive in the morning
___ during slow work periods
___ when customers are not present
___ during breaks and lunch hours only
___ other:  _______________________________________________

21.   Topics employees discuss while visiting tend to be:

___ work-related only   ___ work-related and personal   ___ personal

22.   Personal topics tend to be related to:

___ current events    ___ sports         ___ entertainment (movies, television)
___ children               ___ family         ___ personal news and activities
___ travels                 ___ hobbies     ___  personal relationships
___ other:  ______________________________________________

23.   Visits among employees last on average: 

___ one minute    ___ two or three minutes    ___ four or five minutes
___ more than five minutes    

24.   Employees tend to resolve conflicts among themselves by:

___ discussing concerns privately
___ overlooking and ignoring minor things to avoid creating conflicts
___ making apologies
___ admitting wrong-doing
___ other:  ______________________________________________ 

 

#4:     Grooming Standards

Grooming might seem like a relatively minor aspect of the company culture, but it can be very important, depending on:

Try this checklist to see if there is a standard at work where you are employed.   (18 items)

________________________________________

Women:     (Items 1 through 9)

1.     Attention to hair neatness and style:

___ much attention     ___ considerable attention     ___ little attention

2.     Attention to hair cleanliness:

___ much attention     ___ considerable attention     ___ little attention

3.     Attention to nail care:

___ much attention     ___ considerable attention     ___ little attention

4.     Cosmetic use among co-workers:

___ little or no use      ___ light use      ___ heavy use

5.     Attention to shaving:

___ much attention     ___ considerable attention     ___ little attention

6.     Attention to clothing cleanliness and neatness:

___ much attention     ___ considerable attention     ___ little attention

7.     Attention to appearance and style:

___ much attention     ___ considerable attention     ___ little attention

8.     Attention to personal hygiene:

___ much attention     ___ considerable attention     ___ little attention

9.     Use of fragrances: 

___ frequent     ___ occasional     ___ seldom     ___ none

Men:    (Items 10 through 18)   

10.   Attention to hair length:

___ much attention     ___ considerable attention     ___ little attention

11.   Attention to hair cleanliness:

___ much attention     ___ considerable attention     ___ little attention

12.   Attention to hair style and neatness:

___ much attention     ___ considerable attention     ___ little attention

13.   Attention to nail care:

___ much attention     ___ considerable attention     ___ little attention

14.   Attention to shaving:

___ much attention     ___ considerable attention     ___ little attention

15.   Facial-hair trends among co-workers:

___ clean-shaven     ___ beards     ___ moustaches

16.   Attention to clothing cleanliness and neatness:     

___ much attention     ___ considerable attention     ___ little attention

17.   Attention to appearance and style:

___ much attention     ___ considerable attention     ___ little attention

18.   Attention to personal hygiene:   

___ much attention     ___ considerable attention     ___ little attention

 

#5:     Dress Standards

Again, how employees dress might seem a superficial measure of company culture, but don't dismiss its importance.  If you notice that employees tend to follow a similar pattern of dress, then it's definitely part of the culture. 

Sometimes there's more than one "code" even if it's unstated in writing.  For example, some employers have "dress down" days once a week, like every Friday.  Some employers have a higher standard of dress when clients visit or the public is being greeted.

Try using this checklist and see if you can find a pattern!   (8 items)

________________________________________

How do women dress?   (items 1 through 4)

1.  ___  Conservative dress:

___ business suits, dress suits, conservative dresses and accessories
___ solid colors:   __ Navy  __ Brown  __ Beige  __ Black    
                               other: ________________________________
___ skirt length:    __ mid-knee   __ below knee   __ mid-calf

2.  ___ Semi-conservative dress:

___ conservative dresses, skirts, blouses, jackets and accessories
___ clothing design:   __ solid colors only     __ subtle stripes or prints
___ clothing colors:    __ Navy   __ Brown   __ Beige  __ Black   __ Red
                                     other: _________________________________
___ skirt length:   __ mid-knee   __ below knee   __ mid-calf

3.  ___ Semi-casual dress:

___ skirts, pants, blouses, sweaters, and casual dresses (prints and solids)
___ clothing colors:   __ neutral colors   __ pastel colors   __ bright colors
___ skirt length:   __ above knee   __ mid-knee   __ below knee   __ mid-calf

4.  ___ Casual dress:

___ jeans, T-shirts, casual blouses, sweatshirts, tennis shoes
___ no color or design restrictions 

 

How do men dress?    (items 5 through  )

5.  ___ Conservative dress:

___ suits and ties, dress shoes and accessories
___ suit colors:   __ navy   __ brown  __ dark gray   __ black
                             other:  __________________________
___ dress shirt colors:   __ white  __ light blue  __ dark blue
                                        other: ______________________
___ tie style:   __ solid color   __ striped   __ small pattern   __ paisley
___ jacket trend:     __ men keep their jackets on all day
                                  __ men take their jackets off during the day

6.  ___ Semi-conservative dress:

___ casual suits and ties
___ suit colors:   __ navy   __ brown   __ gray   __ tan   other: __________
___ shirt colors:  __ white   __ light blue   __ dark blue  other: __________
___ tie trend:    __ men loosen their ties while working
                           __ men don't loosen their ties while working
___ jacket trend:     __ men take off their jackets during the day
                                  __ men keep their jackets on during the day

7.  ___ Semi-casual dress:

___ slacks and shirts with jacket (no tie)
___ slacks and shirts with tie (no jacket)
___ slacks and shirts with tie (casual jacket)

___ pant colors:   __ tan   __ navy   __ brown    other:  ________________
___ shirt colors:   __ white   __ light blue   __ dark blue   __ beige
                              other:  _______________________________________

8.  ___ Casual dress:

___ jeans, casual shirts, T-shirts, sweatshirts, tennis shoes
    

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