Gregory P. Crawford, the President of Miami University of Ohio, addressed the issue of widespread job dissatisfaction among workers globally. According to Gallup’s “State of the Global Workplace: 2023 Report,” more than half of working individuals are seeking new jobs. This discontent is particularly prevalent among younger employees, with a significant number of Gen Zers and millennials considering changing careers in the near future.
The root of this problem, in Crawford’s opinion, lies in the lack of alignment between employees and their organizations. He emphasized the importance of finding a good match between an individual and a company’s core values, known as “culture add.” This concept involves enhancing inclusiveness and diversity within the team’s culture. Crawford highlighted that focusing solely on finding a good fit can lead to unconscious bias and limit the diversity of ideas and identities within an organization.
In his experience interviewing numerous candidates, Crawford has identified specific criteria for assessing whether a candidate would be a good culture add. He looks for individuals who can contribute to the organization, the team, and the future success of the company. This includes shared values, diverse perspectives, and a willingness to challenge the status quo in a constructive manner. Crawford emphasized the importance of finding individuals who align with the organization’s vision, mission, and values.
When considering potential candidates, Crawford places a strong emphasis on how they can add value to the team through their experience, skills, and mindset. He stressed the importance of diversity within the team and the need for different voices to contribute to achieving the organization’s shared vision and mission. Crawford also highlighted the importance of critical thinking, openness to new ideas, and respectful dialogue within a diverse team.
Looking towards the future, Crawford emphasized the need for hiring individuals who can help elevate the organization’s expectations and contribute to its continuous improvement. He noted that every hire influences the organization’s success and emphasized the importance of hiring individuals who can add new dimensions to the company. Crawford seeks candidates who can support the organization’s goals and bring innovative ideas to help drive its success in a dynamic and changing world.
In conclusion, Crawford likened assembling a strong organization to piecing together a complex jigsaw puzzle. Finding the right match for each role requires considering the individual’s fit with the organization’s existing structure and values. By prioritizing culture add and seeking individuals who can contribute to the organization, team, and future success, companies can build a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters innovation and growth.
