Cultural Fit is a Key to Success
by Danise A. Cooper, Senior Consultant, Cejka Search
If you’re looking for a new pediatric career opportunity, keep in mind that how you "fit in" with the corporate culture could influence how long you’ll stay with that organization. According to the 2006 Cejka Search and AMGA Physician Retention Survey, "poor cultural fit with the practice," is most frequently mentioned as the reason physicians leave a practice.1
When searching for a new position, look for an organization that complements your personality, belief system, and personal and professional goals. Here are some guidelines to help in your search for a good fit:
- Decide what attributes you find most important in an organization. Keep those criteria in mind on the day of the interview.
- Is the organizational style loose or more structured when it comes to schedules, coverage, etc.?
- Does the organization value individual performance or teamwork?
- Does the organization take risks or is it more cautious?
- Are community involvement and civic contributions important to the organization?
- Try to find out more about the organization’s standard business operations. Ask questions to see if the standard procedures meet your criteria.
- Does the organization have a code of ethics? What is it?
- How does the organization measure productivity?
- What is the patient mix?
- What are the call responsibilities?
- How are decisions made internally?
- For out-of-town interviews, plan an extended stay to observe the inner workings of the organization. By staying an extra night, you may have the opportunity to attend a social function to network and ask more candid questions.
- Include your spouse or significant other in the interview process. He or she can help you decide if the opportunity, the organization, and the location are right for you. Tour the area together; evaluate local schools, and research career opportunities for your spouse. These considerations will be key to your decision.
For long-term success in a new position, choose an organization that meets your criteria. Joining an organization may be a long-term commitment, so it is vital to know how you "fit in" to the potential practice.
Read about current Cejka Search opportunities posted on PedJobs.
1Source: The Cejka Search and AMGA 2006 Physician Retention Survey was completed by 92 members of the American Medical Group Association, and collectively employs more than 16,833 physicians.