We all know that people differ in their personalities, attitudes, and values. For example, some people like to spend their free time doing extreme sports, while others would rather don a Sith costume and attack their friends with lightsabres at a science fiction convention. However, what many don’t realize is that individual differences aren’t just for playtime – an understanding of our individual personality is profoundly important in maximizing our happiness and productivity at work!
We spend a third of our lives at work, and in our fast-paced world, people are moving around from job to job more frequently, seeking a company that allows them to maximize their potential, earn more money, or achieve a better work-life balance. For some, all of these factors will be equally important, while others will prioritize them differently. Whatever our priorities, work feeds into many different aspects of our lives – it influences our self-identity, self-esteem, and opportunities for personal growth. If work was just about making money, it wouldn’t matter so much where we worked – but for most of us, it’s about far more than that. This is where cultural fit comes into play. But what exactly is cultural fit?