Wondering how to survive in a company? Have you ever found yourself wondering, “What am I really looking for in this job?” If you have, you’re definitely not alone. It’s a question I’ve pondered countless times, and thankfully, I now have my own answer.
1. Seeking the Destination
For me, after over 15 years of navigating the corporate jungle—from tiny startups to massive corporations—I’ve collected invaluable experiences along the way. Every place I’ve worked has taught me lessons and given me insights that no amount of money could buy. But amidst all these lessons, I’ve noticed something interesting: every company has three types of people, and understanding these categories is crucial if you want to survive in a company.
- The Innovators: These warriors don’t just get the job done; they’re constantly seeking ways to improve and innovate. They are the unofficial leaders in their teams.
- The Steady Performers: This group completes their tasks but only just enough to avoid getting fired. They don’t make waves, but they don’t cause trouble either.
- The Office Zombies: These folks exist with low-quality work but are very dedicated to their personal projects. They stick around only because they haven’t found their “promised land” yet.
So, which category do you fit into? Your answer will impact how long you survive in your current company.
2. Passion or Paycheck?
When I’ve asked colleagues about their motivation for working, the answers are as varied as a buffet spread: from “I do it for passion” to “I do it for the money,” or “I want to be successful in IT.” But here’s a crucial point: no matter your reason, understanding the company culture is your lifeline if you want to survive in a company!
Company culture encompasses everything from rules and organizational structure to communication styles. If you can’t fit into this culture, it’s only a matter of time before you have to leave. Embracing the culture not only enhances your chances of thriving but also fosters a sense of belonging that can make your work experience truly rewarding.
3. Adapting to Survive
To survive in a company and thrive, you need to adapt to the company culture. Building good relationships and showcasing your skills will help you stand out from the crowd. You won’t just be another name on the roster; you’ll become a person with a significant voice!
Did you know that when you mentor someone or host a workshop, you’re not just helping others understand; you’re also deepening your own understanding of the topic? It’s a fantastic way to build trust and credibility among your colleagues while enhancing your own professional growth.
4. Never Stop Learning
Surviving and thriving in a company is not a straight path. You don’t just need to “get by” to grow; you must be proactive about learning and enhancing your skills to truly survive in a company. Each day, strive to improve yourself—think of it as updating your very own app! If you don’t keep pace, you might find yourself left behind by the market. Additionally, it’s essential to set career goals for the next 2-3 years, or even 5 years down the line. This question isn’t just crucial in interviews; it’s vital throughout your career. You and your company need to review and adjust your goals together to ensure you stay on track.
5. Flexibility and Adaptability
Every company has its unique characteristics, which is essential to understand if you want to survive in a company. For instance, the workflows at Vin or FSOFT can’t be completely applied at Sky Solution because each place has different structures and goals. Thus, you need to be flexible and ready to change to fit in with your team. In a product development team, success is often measured by the final product delivered to the market. Customers don’t care about the struggles the team faced or how complex the development process was; they only care about the end result. Each team member plays a crucial role in creating value for the overall product.
Teamwork is a key factor in this environment. Each individual impacts the collective outcome, and interaction among members is essential. Here are three levels of interaction we should keep in mind:
- Completing Individual Tasks: Everyone needs to ensure their work is completed on time and to a high standard.
- Analyzing Impact: Team members need to understand how their work affects others and optimize their workflow accordingly.
- Supporting One Another: Helping and collaborating with teammates is vital. For example, if a Business Analyst (BA) is responsible for the search function, they need to define and document everything clearly so Developers and Testers can fully understand and not miss any cases during coding and testing. If the BA’s work isn’t done, Developers and Testers can’t start theirs.
Therefore, connection and mutual support within the team not only save time but also ensure that the final product meets customer expectations. Remember, the success of a product is not just the effort of one person but the collective endeavor of the entire team!
6. In Conclusion
To survive in a company and grow effectively, keep a few key factors in mind. First, be friendly and build good relationships with everyone; strong connections can lead to valuable opportunities. Next, deliver quality work—don’t just do it to get it done, as excellence sets you apart. Always listen to feedback; learning from others helps you continually improve. Additionally, cultivate a learning spirit by never stopping your self-enhancement journey.
So, let’s turn our career paths into thrilling adventures! Who says work has to be boring? By embracing these principles, we can make our professional journeys not just successful but also unforgettable!
