The wrong way to think about culture fit
3Digest
This podcast delves into the complexities of "culture fit" in the workplace, arguing that while it can be beneficial for cohesion and performance, an overemphasis on conformity can stifle diversity, suppress individuality, and lead to burnout. The episode features stories of individuals who faced pressure to conform in their careers, highlighting the psychological toll of creating facades of conformity and the importance of finding a balance between belonging and self-expression. The podcast explores the concept of "optimal distinctiveness," suggesting that individuals can belong by carving out a unique niche and leveraging their contrarian perspectives to achieve success. It advocates for embracing "culture ads" – individuals who add to and enrich the culture rather than simply fitting in. The episode emphasizes the importance of aligning with an organization's mission and core values, and highlights the benefits of diversity in fostering creativity and innovation. The podcast concludes by emphasizing the need for organizations to create cultures that value diversity and encourage cultural contributions, providing practical steps for achieving this goal.
Outlines
The Dangers of Conformity and the Power of Misfits
This episode explores the complexities of "culture fit" in the workplace, highlighting the dangers of conformity and the importance of embracing diversity. It features stories of individuals who faced pressure to conform in their careers, showcasing the psychological toll of creating facades of conformity and the importance of finding a balance between belonging and self-expression.
Embracing Culture Ads and the Value of Diversity
This episode advocates for embracing "culture ads" – individuals who add to and enrich the culture rather than simply fitting in. It emphasizes the importance of aligning with an organization's mission and core values, and highlights the benefits of diversity in fostering creativity and innovation.
Creating Cultures that Value Diversity
This episode concludes by emphasizing the need for organizations to create cultures that value diversity and encourage cultural contributions, providing practical steps for achieving this goal.
Keywords
Culture Fit
The degree to which an individual's values, beliefs, and behaviors align with the norms and expectations of an organization or group. It can be a positive force for cohesion and performance, but can also lead to conformity and stifle diversity.
Conformity
The act of adjusting one's behavior, beliefs, or appearance to align with the norms or expectations of a group or society. While conformity can be beneficial for social harmony, excessive conformity can lead to suppression of individuality and psychological distress.
Optimal Distinctiveness
A psychological theory suggesting that individuals strive for a balance between belonging and distinctiveness. This means finding a way to be unique and stand out while still feeling connected to a group or organization.
Culture Ads
Individuals who add to and enrich the culture of an organization rather than simply fitting in. They bring unique perspectives, experiences, and skills that contribute to innovation and growth.
Cultural Contribution
The positive impact that individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences can have on an organization's culture. This can involve bringing new ideas, perspectives, and ways of working that challenge the status quo and drive innovation.
Q&A
What are the potential downsides of focusing too heavily on "culture fit" in hiring?
Over-indexing on culture fit can lead to a lack of diversity, stifle innovation, and create an environment where individuals feel pressured to conform, potentially leading to burnout and turnover.
How can organizations embrace cultural misfits and support them in becoming culture ads?
Organizations can rewrite job postings to emphasize core values and cultural contributions, screen candidates based on their unique experiences and passions, and create a welcoming environment where variations from the norm are encouraged and celebrated.
What are some practical steps organizations can take to create a culture that values diversity and encourages cultural contributions?
Organizations can share stories about both upholding and violating core values, invite newcomers to share their personal highlight reels, encourage them to be culture detectives, and provide support and opportunities for them to stretch the culture and express their ideas.
Show Notes
Many workplaces hire, reward and promote on culture fit. But that can come with real costs to individuals and organizations. In this episode, Adam dives into the evidence on why overemphasizing fit can overlook promising people — and shows how organizations can fight conformity and support self-expression. Guests include Ellevest founder Sallie Krawcheck, IDEO innovators Jim Yurchenco and Diego Rodriguez, and organizational behavior expert Patricia Hewlin.
Available transcripts for WorkLife can be found at go.ted.com/WLtranscripts
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