Fit Into the Organization 5: Fit in Organizationally

This continues our series on how fitting in helps you get the biggest raises and better jobs

Jim Collins, in his book Good to Great, explains that great companies get the right people in the right seats on the metaphorical bus. Bob understood the principle very well. He examined the organization of the company that employed him and compared his strengths with the needs of the organization. He developed relationships with supervisors in the division he thought would benefit most by his strengths. Soon, he found himself in the right seat on the bus.

Determine Where You Will Fit in Best

You cannot fit in well, if you don’t enjoy what you do for a job. Begin your preparation by deciding exactly what tasks or responsibilities you enjoy performing. List the kind of people you would work best with, which workstations and supervisors you would serve best. Write down where you would fit in best and compare it with what is available.

Then, examine the organization you work for. Identify the project or work teams or divisions that do the work you would love to do. Ask questions of the people working on those teams or who know about those teams. Write down the benefits and drawbacks of each team. Compare them to objectives you wrote down earlier.

 

Build Relationships to Fit In

Identify the manager over the next assignment or position where your skills will help the most. Begin to slowly build a relationship with them. Smile, wave or nod your head, at them when you see them. Occasionally ask them how work is going. This courteous inquiry should not expect a long reply. Also your replies to such queries should be brief. You could respond with a brief home run statement or praise for your supervisor.

In addition, maintain good relationships with your current co-workers and supervisors. You must fit into your current team organizationally by performing your responsibilities and duties fully. Verify with your supervisor that you fit into the organization effectively 

Friday we discover ways to fit in professionally to your work team, organization, & company

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