6 ELEMENTS TO CONSIDER TO ACHIEVE CULTURAL ASSIMILATION IN A NEW JOB

John Maxwell said, “Disappointment is the gap between expectation and reality.”

This quote is directly applicable to you.?

How many times have you taken up a position only to realize that expectation and reality are as different as night and day? Not because you can’t do the job but because what is expected of you is very different from what you expected. The behaviour, the norms, the code of conduct is all different from what you thought it would be.?

This is why it is imperative to consider an organisation's culture before you accept the position. The keyword here is “before”. A job is a lot more than a simple description. Your job is the driving factor for your economic engine and the place where you will spend most of your waking hours. That is why you need to be at ease with your department, your team, your boss and the company values.?

One mantra that you must start practising is that no one cares how much you know, till they realize how much you care.

Engage with a job that allows you to make use of your strengths. When you use your capabilities and strength on a daily basis, you build engagement and purpose. However, you have to consider 6 critical elements in two groups for this to manifest.?

Of the two groups, one is in your control while the other group consists of elements that you have no say over and they may or may not be in your favour.?

The first group is made up of: (a) Geographical considerations important to you (b) Your interests (c) The responsibilities you seek

Consider these questions: How long of a commute is ok? What industry or sector do you want to work in? And what size of a team are you comfortable managing?

These are some of the questions that will shed light on your preferences when you’re on the hunt for a new job and you have control over the answers.?

The second group consists of:

(d) The conditions at the new workplace (e) The people personalities in play (f) The values of the company where you are seeking employment

These elements are not in your control. Given your make-up, either they are suitable or they are not. Some of the things to consider when assessing these elements could include: You may not work well in a turnaround situation, but you have demonstrated success in start-ups. You may work well with extroverts but do not enjoy working with people who keep to themselves. These statements and questions will help you gain clarity when you’re evaluating possible job opportunities.?

Unless you find the right balance across these 6 elements, you will not be able to realise the full potential of your strengths. These elements create the underlying framework and must line up to suit your situation and you must understand this before accepting a position.?

Every key opens one particular lock. You are just like that key. You only open one particular lock and you must find that lock. Find that lock so you can truly unlock your potential!