Every working environment has its own culture. Just like in any home, in any school or in any society group, there is a distinct set of values and practices that define and differentiate each company. And even in a single company, different departments and teams have different cultures. If you’re coming from a sales job, you may have to adjust to a different culture when you’re getting a marketing job.
However, your knowledge of your own industry and the things executives around you say can be used as a baseline for the kind of culture you can expect when you join a company or an industry. For instance, in banking, team players are highly valued. When you want to work in trading, you need to have a more aggressive personality and a persistent attitude.
You will be able to traverse the different industries successfully if you make it a goal to understand the culture and adapt to it. You won’t have to change yourself or your personality (that’s almost an impossibility). But what you can do is to really study the culture you’re entering, and do your best to influence it without having to agitate anybody.
Hang out with People at Work
Based on casual conversations, you will be able to gauge the culture in your office. Be a keen observer. How do people talk with each other? What are the types of relationships bosses have with their subordinates? How is information transferred from one person to the other?
If possible, have one or two people who can help you ease into the whole group. They can “orient” you with the culture, and give you advice on how you can adjust well. Just don’t abuse the relationship and start emailing them every single day. Invite them for lunch every once in a while; reach out in a pace convenient to them.
Get the Formal and Informal Cues
The formal cues are those used to achieve official tasks. For instance, how is email used? How’s the structure of the company? What are the avenues used to communicate with each other?
On the other hand, the informal cues are those that build up the relationships within the team. You should also be sensitive to things that aren’t as obvious as the others. Get a feel of your office. Doing this will give you more confidence in interacting with the people around you.
Work
At the end of the day, what will matter most is how you are able to produce results for the company. You aren’t in the company just to make friends and blend in well. Knowing the culture is only as valuable (if not more valuable) as how you are able to contribute to the company’s growth.
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