Culture Shock!
by Joe Mayne

This dynamic marketplace brings with it a constant flow of job changes and job opportunities. Changing jobs is a given. Changing careers is likely.

Many of us started out in the "corporate" world. We were entry level. We were indoctrinated into structure, proper lines of communication and the chain of command. This rigid, ordered world brings comfort to some and represents a cage for others. Regardless of your perception of public or private corporations...they each have a distinct culture. This culture is the culmination of the philosophies and practices of the founders and subsequent management teams of a firm. It reflects the way a company treats its customers and its workers. Culture is "the way we do things around here" and is often very resistant to change.

My work experience has been varied. I've encountered many different cultures. The corporate culture was one of efficiency. The command structure was in place with many three-ring binders outlining policy, direction and tasks. You were given the impression that your superiors were keeping the best interests of the company in the forefront.

Did this mean the interests of the customer, employee or stockholder were also? It is truly the master who can make these interests one in the same.

Working for private/family owned companies yielded a vastly different culture. Here I found fewer binders and manuals. My orientation was less formal and I was expected to "learn the ropes" often times on my own. I was forced to develop my own network. The lines of authority were not always clear.These private firms were not necessarily small. They were less

structured but in many ways were more efficient than "corporate." Public and private companies have the same objective; profitable growth, but they are very different places to work.

If you were asked to describe the culture of your company...how would you respond? Can you effectively describe the "feel" a company would have to make it ideal for you? Knowing to expect a "shock" when you make a change will help ease the transition for you. Allowing time for you to adapt to your new organization and for them to get used to you is key in determining if its a good fit. I encourage you to become aware of your work culture and when change comes your way you'll adapt with ease.

What this generation has to offer is what our economy needs. They may not have had the "Leave It To Beaver" upbringing but the challenges they've experienced have positively prepared them for success in the future.