For your next job change… evaluate the System not the Job.

You aren’t happy at your current employer. Or maybe you just got RIFed.

Ok, no problem. You have work to do. Now you will have to actively start a search for your next role at your next company.

Changing companies is big move.

Many people follow friends or referrals to the their next company. It all sounds great at first. Nice new products, nice management, and things seem to be moving in the right direction. STOP.


My Best Advice

Instead of being fixated on shiny objects like technology, people you know there, how well known the company is, the sales growth… I urge you to focus on the System or culture that governs the organization.

In this article, I’ll explore why the System is the most important thing and how it can impact your career success and happiness.

I talk with individuals in every orthopedic company. So, I know the companies with the Good Systems and companies with the Bad Systems, but I don’t want to name names here.

During your interview process, try to ascertain some of the 18 Good System attributes listed below.


18 attributes inside good Systems

1/ High Trust: Trust is the foundation of our relationships, empowering employees to take risks and make decisions without fear of judgment.

2/ Transparency: Openness and honesty are at the core of our culture, ensuring everyone has access to information and understanding the “why” behind decisions.

3/ Alignment: Your incentives match the incentives with Board, leadership and all employees.

4/ Fast Decision Making: We foster an environment where quick and informed decisions are encouraged, enabling us to respond rapidly to challenges and opportunities.

5/ Role Autonomy: Our culture values autonomy, allowing individuals to take ownership of their roles and make meaningful contributions.

6/ Learning and Growth Mindset: We embrace a culture of continuous learning and personal/professional growth, nurturing the potential of our employees.

7/ Collaboration: Our culture fosters a collaborative atmosphere where teamwork and shared ideas lead to collective achievement.

8/ Innovation: We encourage an innovative culture, empowering employees to explore new ideas and experiment with novel approaches.

9/ Customer Focus: Putting customers first is ingrained in our culture, driving us to deliver exceptional experiences and exceed expectations.

10/ Continuous Improvement: We have a culture of constant improvement, always seeking ways to enhance processes, products, and services.

11/ Accountability: Our culture emphasizes individual and collective accountability, ensuring responsibilities are clear and actions are taken responsibly.

12/ Fairness: Treating employees fairly and upholding company values is fundamental to our culture.

13/ Respect: Respect and inclusivity are integral to our culture, creating a sense of belonging and a supportive community.

14/ Work-Life Balance: We prioritize work-life balance, understanding the importance of employee well-being for long-term success.

15/ Communication: Transparent and effective communication is fundamental to our culture, promoting understanding and cohesion.

16/ Leadership: Strong and supportive leadership is vital in cultivating a positive and productive work environment.

17/ Employee Engagement: We prioritize employee engagement, knowing that engaged employees drive organizational success.

18 Creativity: Our culture encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, fostering innovation and adaptability.


Conclusion

When considering a company change, I encourage you to see beyond the surface-level aspects and look closely at the System that governs the organization.

Remember, you have the power to choose a company that aligns with your values and priorities. By making a wise decision and selecting a company with a strong System, you set yourself up for a rewarding and fulfilling professional journey. Trust your instincts, ask the right questions during interviews, and prioritize a positive and empowering work environment. Your future success could very well depend on it. Good luck on your journey of finding the perfect fit for your next career move!