How can you avoid being held back by company culture?

There is a misperception that company culture is “HR’s or Leaderships’ job.” While having strong people policies and practices is critical, every single employee plays a key role in creating a positive culture. Leaders certainly play a crucial role in setting the tone for company culture and are also expected to model behaviors the company stands for, the reality is that culture can not be the sole responsibility of a single individual or department. It is something that everyone contributes to and plays a role in shaping.

While company culture may seem entrenched, do what you could to stand apart if it's something that you feel strongly against. Be conscious of being held back. Challenge yourself if you could do it in another way without being held back. See if you could deal with the consequences or if you could manage it by making non-drastic moves

There are two ways about it. 1) Since you are aware of company culture holding you back, try to blend in with it by implementing gradual changes that are hardly noticeable until after a certain period. 2) Be distinct from the culture. Be a trailblazer and do what's right in your opinion to break free of that mould.

To navigate company culture: 1. Analyse Drivers:Understand the core drivers of the company culture. 2. Strengthen Alignment:Focus on aspects aligning with your values and strengths (strengthen the strengths) 3. Drive Positive Change:Propose constructive changes based on your observations. 4. Acknowledge Realities:Realise that significant culture shifts in big companies take time, and it may be a slow process. 5. Evaluate Fit:Assess if your values align with the culture and consider alternative environments if needed ! In essence, balance adaptation with personal alignment, and make informed decisions about your fit within the organizational culture. Also understand as long as performance and productivity are good people fit!

Understand the values, norms, and behaviours that define your company's culture. Awareness helps you navigate it effectively.

You need to recognise your own values, goals, and boundaries. Try and stay true to yourself while navigating the company culture.

In my opinion that is step 1. Self-knowledge and self-awareness are key for intentional living and values alignment. We deploy many efforts to know and understand other individuals, groups, and organizations. Yet we dedicate less to our self-knowledge. I consistently ask my coachees to think of a close person to them and describe them, their values, strengths and areas of development, it usually takes them less than 1min to come with what could be a a good material for a biography of that person. When i ask them to repeat the same exercise for themselves, it takes much longer and the first outcome is much shorter and less consistent. That simple yet effective step opens the minds to a self reflective and introspective journey.

Explore different paths and opportunities within and outside the company. Knowing your options gives you flexibility and agency in your career.

Be aware of the company's values and priorities, and assess whether they align with your own goals and values. If you find that you're not a good fit for the company culture, it may be time to explore other options, such as seeking a position in a different department or company, or even starting your own business. Knowing your options not only helps you avoid being held back by a culture that doesn't fit your needs, but it also empowers you to take control of your career and make choices that align with your goals and values. Company culture is not something you have to accept blindly; it's something you can evaluate and choose to engage with or not.

While it is important to know your allies, focusing on developing relationships with all members of your team is important to ensure that you are able to effectively and efficiently complete important tasks without company culture distractions. This approach is simple in theory, but can be very challenging in practice given that the varying and diverse personalities may make befriending some teammates more challenging than others. Approach each relationship with empathy and seek to understand why some individuals may be perceived as toxic to the overall team dynamic. As you better understand the perspective of others on the team, you can intentionally work to build much needed relational trust and the rapport that follows.

Build Relationships: Cultivate relationships with colleagues who share your values and aspirations. Having a support network within the company can provide you with allies who can help you navigate challenges and advocate for your ideas. Communicate Effectively: Clearly communicate your ideas, goals, and concerns to colleagues and supervisors. Effective communication can help you build trust and credibility within the organization, making it easier to influence the culture in a positive direction.

Focus on Results: Instead of getting bogged down by cultural differences or office politics, focus on delivering results and adding value. Demonstrating your competence can help you earn respect and recognition, regardless of cultural barriers. Seek Opportunities for Growth: Look for opportunities to grow, whether through training programs, mentorship, or taking on projects. By continually improving your skills, you can position yourself for advancement, regardless of cultural constraints. Stay True to Yourself: While it's important to adapt to the company culture, it's also important to remain true to your own values and principles. Don't compromise your integrity or authenticity in an effort to fit in or advance within the organization.

To me knowing yourself and knowing your values go hand by hand and are the first steps. It is very important to know your values and distinguish between your core values that drive your behavior, thoughts, emotions and actions, and your aspirational values; the values you think you stand for yet it does not show on your day to day actions. Asking people around to share what they think are your values can be a good start to know what values you consistently demonstrate. There are online values assessment tools that i will be happy to share if you are interested and could be a solid start to initiate your self reflection on your values.

Understanding your unique value is vital to staying supported by company culture. Reflect on your distinct skills and insights, showcasing them effectively within your organization. Actively seek feedback and recognition, leveraging these to reinforce your confidence and professional standing. In doing so, you become an influential part of the company culture, turning potential challenges into opportunities for growth and visibility.🧩 Culture Connector: Your unique value is a catalyst for transformation. Recognizing and harnessing it, you shape your path and contribute to the evolving narrative of your company's culture.

Cultivate strong professional relationships with colleagues, superiors, and peers. Building a supportive network can help you navigate the cultural landscape more effectively. Seek out mentors and allies who can provide guidance and support as you work to advance your career within the organization. Be adaptable and open to change. Flexibility and a willingness to adjust to the prevailing culture can help you integrate more smoothly. Recognize that culture may vary within different departments or teams within the same organization, and adjust your approach as needed.

I think many professionals can get nervous about company cultures and want to live up to it. Sadly, one of the main truths is that 99% of companies do not even hold up to their own cultures. You need to be confident in who you are and what you bring to the table. If you lack in those areas, then get coaching to fix this. Culture in a company exists, sure, but at the end of the day, all a company really and truly cares about is that you deliver on what they hired you for. Do not block yourself by company cultures and all the noise around it. Stay in your lane, believe in yourself, and believe in what you bring to the table. You don't need to be held back by what most companies don't honor themselves.

During job interviews, you can express your values by asking specific questions about the company's culture, work environment, and management style. For example, ask about work-life balance or leadership approaches. This helps you assess cultural fit and signals to the employer that cultural alignment is a priority for you. Such a proactive approach ensures a mutual understanding of cultural expectations, contributing to a more satisfying work experience.

When we talk about culture, it is dynamic and leaves an everlasting impression. Culture, whether it is healthy or unhealthy, it is with individuals to bring. Think of it as Lotus in a pond, once it cultivates, it creates roots for more to grow, no matter how dirty the lake is, lotus emerges with an energy that cannot be stopped. When we talk about culture, it is yours to build. It takes only one positive move to create a chain reaction. Whether it is positive or exceptional, it is yours to build.

To avoid being held back by company culture, I advice the following to my clients: 1)Understand the Culture: Know the company's values. 2)Adaptability is Key: Be open to different approaches. 3)Focus on Strengths: Leverage your strengths. 4)Build Relationships: Connect positively with colleagues. 5)Seek Mentorship: Get guidance on navigating culture. 6)Clarify Expectations: Align your role with company values. 7)Be a Cultural Contributor: Showcase commitment through actions. 8)Choose Battles Wisely: Prioritize alignment in crucial areas. 9)Professional Development: Continuously enhance your skills. 10)Advocate for Change: Suggest improvements when needed.