How to Learn and Adapt to a New Company Culture Quickly
Understanding a new company's culture is key to a successful integration. This guide provides strategies for quickly learning the unwritten rules and social norms of your new workplace.
How to Quickly Learn a New Company Culture
Every company has its own unique culture—the unwritten rules of how people work and interact. Here’s how to decipher it quickly.
1. Observe
- Meeting Dynamics: Pay attention to how meetings are run. Are they formal or informal? Do they start on time? How are decisions made?
- Communication Styles: Observe how people communicate. Is it mostly through Slack, email, or in-person? Is the tone formal or casual?
- Social Interactions: Notice how colleagues interact in social settings. Do they eat lunch together? Do they talk about non-work topics?
2. Listen
- Team Conversations: Listen to the language and acronyms people use. Pay attention to the stories and heroes of the company that are mentioned.
- Your Manager: Your manager can be a great source of information about cultural norms and expectations.
3. Ask Questions
- Find a Culture Guide: Identify a trusted colleague who has been with the company for a while and ask them for insights.
- Ask "Why?": When you observe a process or tradition you don't understand, politely ask about its history or purpose. For example, "I noticed we do X this way. Could you help me understand the background on that?"
4. Read the Documentation
- Internal Wiki/Handbook: Many companies have an employee handbook or internal wiki that outlines their values and policies. This is a great starting point.
- Public Materials: Review the company's public blog, social media, and mission statement to understand the values they project externally.
FAQs
Q: What if the company culture isn't a good fit for me? A: It's important to give it time. If after several months you still feel a strong disconnect, it may be worth re-evaluating if the company is the right long-term fit for you.
Q: How do I learn the culture in a remote company? A: It can be more challenging. Be extra observant in virtual meetings and chat channels. Proactively schedule virtual coffee chats with colleagues to get to know them on a more personal level.
By actively observing, listening, and asking questions, you can quickly get up to speed on your new company's culture and become an integrated member of the team.
