Culture- the overlooked factor in successful hiring

This week I was talking with the manager of an athletic club.  The organization has four large and successful facilities.  Recently one of the managers moved on and that left a ‘hole’ in the staff of four managers – one for each club.

At this time the three remaining managers are rotating into the vacated position and they are evaluating and processing the way things are done and trying new ideas.  It’s been helpful and encouraging but when I asked how the ‘search’ was going for a replacement, after the usual discussion of qualifications, he mentioned the issue of ‘culture’.

What they have experienced over the years is what I call one of the ‘Overlooked Factors’ in successful hiring.  They have come to realize that it is critical that new hires, especially those in leadership and management, fit not only with the skills and experiences and what we call the ‘innate hard-wiring’ requirements for the job, but that they are a good fit ‘culturally’.

Culture reflects the values and principles of the founders  .  .  .

Every organization has its culture that is developed over the years and usually reflects the values and principles of the founders.   If an employee doesn’t understand and embrace those values and principles it doesn’t really matter how technically qualified they are, they won’t fit in.  This is true for people who have done the exact same job in a business in the same field.  The Job Descriptions can be identical but if the culture is not the same the person will have significant difficulty fitting in and being satisfied.  Most will eventually disrupt or fail or leave.

‘Teaching’ Culture . . .

There is a caveat here though.  There are those that can be ‘taught’ the culture.   The issue here becomes one of their ‘innate hardwiring’.  Are they learners?  Is the leadership committed to spending the time and effort to instill the values and principles that have made the business what it is?  Occasionally these two concepts come together but it is seldom.

Some clues to Cultural success . . .

Recognize the power of culture in business.

Recognize that your company has a unique culture.

Learn to articulate what’s unique about your culture.

Be sure you understand the unique ‘innate hardwiring’ of each potential hire.

Understand what innate characteristics will enhance the willingness to learn and which will resist it.

Discuss your cultural values with each potential hire.