How to Break Into a Company's Culture

Congratulations, you booked the job! What’s next? Breaking into the company’s culture. According to a Robert Half survey, 91% of managers in the U.S. say a one’s alignment with the company culture is equal to or more important than skills and experience. Starting a new project at a new company can be inevitably daunting as you try to figure out how to fit into the culture and your new colleagues’ expectations, but it doesn’t have to be. Culture is built upon people and how they contribute to the company’s vision. Below are a few ways you can easily adapt to a new atmosphere and make waves on your new project.

Do Your Homework
Consultants succeed when they feel confident and prepared. Prior to your first day on the project, sit down and do some research on the company and what they value. These factors tend to have a strong impact on the way the company operates and interacts. Also spend a few minutes online researching your future team members. According to John Greenleaf Whittier, the real art in discussing a person's profession with that person is making him reflect upon his work. Finding ways to connect with your team on the first day will go a long way with how you will operate together down the line.

Observe the Scene
Actively observe and learn about the company culture that exists. Notice how they make decisions, how they conduct meetings, and even how they address one another. These nonverbal cues and routines that can feel ordinary at first, can be the defining feats of a company’s culture. Also remember that everyone is trying to do their best. Instead of judging others based off their approach, try asking yourself, “What does my expertise add here? What unique value could I bring with my experience/knowledge/perspective?” Asking questions like these will ensure that your efforts are more focused toward creating meaningful value instead of worrying how you fit in.

Gaining Trust and Respect
Listen before you speak—if you do not listen, you will not be trusted by your client. This is more about the connection you establish than your skillsets or quality of work. You do not need to go out of your way to be intimidating or domineering in attempt to gain trust and respect. When you allow people to open up about what they need, you will be rewarded with the opportunity to deliver the solutions they are looking for.

Find Your Voice
If you have taken the time to assess the company’s background, needs, and culture, it’s time to do what you do best. Show that you genuinely care about what the company is trying to accomplish and that you have put the time and effort in to deliver a valuable result. You were hired for your expertise and now it is time to put those skills to use; however, always be aware of having the intent to help others as your specialized skills may come off as condescending. By demonstrating an ability to work well within a team setting and creating tangible results, team members will see how their contributions are valued.

Step Up to the Plate
There will come a time and a place for you to help set the tone of a company’s culture. Don’t be afraid to use your power of influence to set an example in the workplace. Many times, fresh eyes can shape a company’s communications, processes, and interactions. This can include helpful changes or insights to improve business practices and even turn around a negative culture into a productive one. Uplifting colleagues so they feel encouraged and understood by their peers can mean the difference of finishing a project on time or not.

Just as your resume won’t get you a job without an interview, interviews won’t get you a job if you don’t demonstrate cultural fit. Cultural fit simply means how well someone can adapt to their new environment. But this adaptation is for your benefit as well. A 2005 analysis by Amy L Kristof-Brown revealed in the journal, Personnel Psychology, that people who fit well with their organization, coworkers, and supervisor had greater job satisfaction and showed superior job performance.

If you remember to do your homework, observe the room, and listen you are well on your way to being a repeat hire. Over time, you will find your voice and even create cultural changes yourself.