Universal Priority: Do I Fit?

Two types of Fit are important: Organizational Fit and Job Fit.

Finding the right workplace begins with organizational fit. As indicated by the phrase, the goal is for each person who works for a company to be a fit with the Purpose and core values of the organization. When that fit exists, the person views the Purpose of the organization as being meaningful. Additionally, the values that are the basis for the company are aligned with the employee’s values.

Of course, the aim is for employees to also be a fit with their jobs. Job fit means that the actual work is meaningful and is the right work for the individual.

Engaged workers are a fit with the organization and with their jobs. When this exists, employees feel like they are able to be their authentic selves at work.

The importance of meaningfulness and harmony

With the universal Priority of Fit, consider two key values that promote employee engagement:

• meaningfulness
• harmony

Employees who are a fit with the organization and the job will be more engaged because they will find meaningfulness and harmony working for the organization and performing the tasks required for the job.

The question of fit is a key consideration in the hiring process. Obviously, hiring for fit is better than evaluating for fit after you employ the person. Once you hire the individual, it is not easy to change that person’s organizational fit. But much can be done to ensure fit with the job to ensure meaningfulness and harmony with one’s tasks.

To sum up, engagement is a personal thing. Therefore, the employee should evaluate for fit to ensure that the potential for engagement exists at the organization. The Job Seeker Manual guides people through this process.

Key questions to ask when evaluating for organizational Fit and job Fit

When evaluating for organizational fit and job fit, some key questions to consider:

• Is the Purpose of the organization meaningful to me?
• Do I feel like I’m making a meaningful contribution through my work?
• Are the values of the organization aligned with my values?
• Are my skills, interests and abilities a match with my job?

Go to this link for the slide presentation: “How to Hire for Cultural Fit.”