Raise your hand if you’ve seen this happen...
A company hires someone who looks perfect on paper. Strong background. Great interview. Very likable.
Three months later, something feels off. It starts small, like a comment that lands the wrong way, a decision made too quickly, or a hesitation when speed was expected.
That’s when we hear it: They’re not a good fit.
Most people fail not because they can’t do the job, but because no one tells them how the job truly works. We hire based on competence, then expect people to adapt to a culture that no one explains to them.
Every workplace has its own rhythm. Some move fast and speak directly. Some value collaboration and consensus. Some reward precision. Others reward momentum. None of this is written in a job description.
We onboard people to systems and tasks. But we skip the conversation that matters most. “This is how we work here.”
No one explains how decisions are made. No one defines what disagreement should sound like. No one clarifies what “good collaboration” actually looks like.
So, people have to guess. And when their guess misses, we call it a personality problem.
It’s not personality. It’s a lack of clarity.
If you want people to succeed, give them a clear picture of how to operate in your environment. Otherwise, they’ll bring their old playbook into a new game. And you’ll blame them for not fitting it.
If this resonates, subscribe for more ideas on how personality shapes the way we work and lead.
About the Author:
Merrick Rosenberg is a keynote speaker, author, and founder of Take Flight Learning. He is the author of Personality Intelligence: Master the Art of Being You and The Chameleon, and the creator of the Eagle, Parrot, Dove, and Owl personality styles. Merrick helps people align their careers, relationships, and leadership with who they actually are, not whom they think they should be. Through his work, millions have learned how to understand themselves and others to build stronger teams, healthier relationships, and more grounded lives. When he’s not working, he’s either flying, teaching, or trying to get into the crow pose at yoga. Learn more at MerrickRosenberg.com and TakeFlightLearning.com.
No posts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.