Page 24 - The Interconnected Individual: Seizing Opportunity in the Era of AI, Platforms, Apps, and Global Exchanges

HOw TO NAVIgATE YOUR CAREER 67

spent 10 years in this company or this organization? Is that who you
would want to become? Because that is the mold that is expected in the
culture. You will not change that culture. That culture will change you.
The more aligned your values are to the culture, the better suited you will
be, the more successful you will be, and the more comfortable you will
be. To see how past employees view a company or organization they have
8
worked for in order to get a sense of the culture, visit Glassdoor, a site
that aggregates reviews from former employees.

Make the Transition to a Better Human Environment

Success in a transition may depend on your fit with the boss and the
organization’s business culture. How can you tell if you will thrive or
diminish? Sometimes, we are so eager to take a new job, close the deal,
and “win” the offer, we may ignore signals that can predict whether the
next opportunity will be a great career move or a regretted choice.
Perhaps, we may even make a good choice, then find the unit we were
hired to work in is disbanded; the boss with whom we had great chemistry
leaves; or our work description, project assignment, and role change.
Given that most of us will make several career and job transitions, it
is important to “sniff out” problems that can derail us. Since no situation
is perfect, be prepared to pivot and be flexible, but also become more
discerning in judgment. If you know your own work style and preferences,
then it will be easier to understand how you fit and can thrive within
a work culture and management team that suits you. Inquire, research,
and recognize signals that a boss or a company may be wrong for you.
Develop relationships with clients, associates, and professionals, who can
help co-create or introduce you to opportunities. Go for the longer-term
match for your career development.

Organizational Structures

Are you more comfortable in a situation where you are creating structure
in an innovative way or do you prefer systems where you have a clear role

8 Glassdoor. “Find the Job That Fits Your Life.” https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm