Cultural Fit for Corporate Culture 

Each and every team member should have alignment between their personal and corporate values. This builds a strong corporate culture.

Firing Someone?

If someone doesn’t have a fit, it’s preferable that they find a different job. This is not to say they are a bad person, just that there is little satisfaction (from either side) without this alignment. It could also be a case of ‘one rotten apple spoils the whole bunch’ because others on the team might feel it’s not fair.

Hiring Someone?

If managers decide to hire on cultural fit, it minimizes the mismatch between the individual and company values. It’s best to assess cultural compatibility before hiring. This can be done via different methods, like a discussion with an expert psychologist in your HR department, or with a specially designed test. 

No matter the method, it is recommended to check, in order to build a strong and healthy corporate culture. 

Leaders as Role Models

Whether you want it or not, you, as a leader or manager, are always a role model to your team. 

This is obvious to the team first when looking at values – yours individually and those of the organization – because it is apparent in what you say and in your behavior.

Questions to Ask Yourself

• How do you incorporate the organizational values in your daily work? 

• Do you exhibit them to your team? 

• Do you stand behind them? 

• Do you remind your team of the values? 

• Are you proud of the company culture?

Always the Role Model

People can tell if the company values are important to you or not.

What are you modeling with your words and actions?

Evaluate Colleagues and Teammates

Consider each of your teammates. What is their strongest value? What value do they represent the most? Mark this on the sheet. Now consider which value they show the least. Maybe there is one that they don’t show at all. Maybe there is one that they understand and show, but not as strongly as the others. Mark this as their weakest.

Now evaluate the same things for yourself.

Time to Party

Meet up with your spreadsheets, preferably in person. The team gives their feedback for one colleague at a time.

Don’t just read from the sheet. This is a discussion – so actively listen and give examples. The selected teammate of that round also has the chance to speak up, say their own personal self-assessment, and to reflect on what was shared.

This is a great time to communicate open issues, challenges and suggestions. If all members choose the same weakest value for you, for example, it is a clear signal of how you’ve been hurting the team, and where you can improve. This is also a place to celebrate the ways you are really championing a company value.

Each colleague takes a turn to be assessed and self-reflect. By the end, everyone has a review from each team member.

Don’t Rush Things

Allow enough time for sincere talks. This is not a task for a 10-minute meeting. A few hours, or even a whole day, gives the time and space for such frank and deep discussion that can be painful or emotional at times.

Open and Honest

A safe and cozy environment lends itself for honest and open discussion. And make it enjoyable – this is a party after all!