Picture the culture
EVERY organisation is unique in itself in terms of culture, ethos, customs and the like. Therefore, it is imperative that you acquaint yourself in advance with all these aspects of the organisation you are about to join. A lot of preparation is necessary. Just honing a few particular skills is not enough; you need to understand the lingo of the company. No two companies share the same culture. There will be some contrast at least in the set pattern of behaviour. In order to succeed in the job, it is essential to master the nuances of the organisation's culture.
There are a few organisational cultures that are prominent. In an academy culture, highly skilled employees are encouraged to further sharpen their proficiency. In an organisation where baseball culture prevails, the employees possess highly prized skills. Such employees are in high demand and can join any organisation with ease. Seniority is given preference in a club culture. Employees start at the bottom and are easily promoted on the basis of their seniority. People with specialised skills get many opportunities in fortress culture.
Culture permeates all aspects of an organisation. Similarly, different sub-cultures reign at different levels. As a new employee of the organisation, it is your duty to understand the organisation's apparent culture. The decor, dressing etiquette, rituals and symbols signify the external aspects of the culture. Taking a cue from these facets, one should be able to identify the intangible information. It is necessary to identify them because they give a clear understanding of the organisation's expectations from its employees.
You are well aware of the different selection processes followed by organisations. These are peculiar to individual organisations. The processes assess the candidates' compatibility with the organisation's culture.
Peers, superiors and senior co-workers constitute the three main sources that can be tapped to learn the organisation's culture. Staying aloof in the initial days might prove harmful.
It is quite necessary to gather as much information as possible from these sources. Effective interaction with peers is essential to become an efficient employee.
Most employees ignore this crucial phase and remain introverted. There are many reasons for such behaviour. Some are shy, while others simply regard their peers as lesser souls. Overcome these attitudes and learn the culture through simple interaction.
The company's definition of success should also be found out. It might not seem pragmatic in the first place, but interaction with some of the employees at different levels helps you identify these factors.
Once inside the organisation, the most significant thing even before you start working is to identify the employer's expectations in terms of efficiency. Information about output and time expectations should also be gathered.
The easiest route is to find a senior who has been around in the organisation for a long time. You can get a good deal of information from him otherwise you would be groping wildly in the dark.
CHAKRAVARTHY TENNETI
faqs@cnkonline.com
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