Rooting for (the antihero)

Taylor Swift is the inspiration for this latest musing.  I've been talking this week about the sense of belonging you get when you do fit it in with your organisation but what if you don't? and indeed should you?

Steven Hargreaves and I had a fascinating debate about this and,  whilst the content of this we share in our workshops, I can say though that I am not a fan of the term 'culture fit' .  Why?- it sounds like you are having to 'shoe-horn' someone into what you want them to be and that can only lead to feelings of being an outlier.  As Taylor sings:

'It's me, hi, I'm the problem, it's me
At tea time, everybody agrees'

Taylor Swift, Antihero

But what if that person isn't the problem but the way the culture is set up creates that dynamic?  What if a narcissistic boss creates the culture they want at the expense of others and people develop survivor skills to keep the peace?  Is that environment stimulating? Does it encourage you to be creative or just pleasing to that one person? Does that organisation perform?

'Did you hear my covert narcissism I disguise as altruism
Like some kind of congressman? (Tale as old as time)'

Taylor Swift, Antihero

Of course narcissists are skilled and are always the most charismatic of people too and charismatic does not always mean 'kind'.  They'll play games and make you doubt yourself.  This can be crippling to self confidence.

If your culture, however is based on kindness and you really believe in it - this would be called out - you can say i'm naive if you like,  but what are we scared of - losing a job that does not value you? Well, why are you there then?  and if there are sufficient numbers... would the 'problem' person need to be the 'monster on the hill' as Taylor describes?

We are steeped in evidence that this approach works - Is it time to change or are you just curious or are you getting 'older but just never wiser'?

Great song if nothing else-why not listen whilst you browse the store?

Take care

Michelle