By Maurice Gilbert
Remember the kindergarten worksheet where you were told to “Circle the thing that doesn’t belong?” Making a crayon loop around the errant object was a test of your early thinking and reasoning skills, and you can use the same technique (minus the crayon) when determining whether you and your company are a good fit.
We all have days where we feel like we’re surrounded by idiots. That’s a feeling that comes and goes. But are you truly – egregiously – mismatched? Do yourself (and your career) a favor, and read the following statements and apply them to your present position. Circle anything you consider to be False.
- I feel a deeply personal connection to my company’s mission.
- I’m proud to say who I work for.
- I respect my colleagues.
- I believe in my company’s product and would use/buy/recommend it myself.
- Unprofessional behavior isn’t tolerated in my workplace.
- I trust the leadership and decision-makers in my company.
- I may not always agree with decisions that are made, but I understand them.
- If I make a suggestion or proposal, I am listened to.
- I am often told to create my own opportunities.
- I am sufficiently recognized for my performance.
- I have a mentor who is invested in my success.
So! How did you do? Gold star? No company is perfect, but if you circled more than one or two statements, you might have some thinking to do. Perhaps there are some blind spots in your organization where your suggestions or contributions could improve a situation. Or, as we said earlier, maybe you’re in the wrong job.
As an executive recruiter, I have conversations every day with professionals who are thinking about making a change. Reviewing the list above will help you determine whether you should, too.
Published by Conselium Executive Search, the global leader in compliance search.
