What is “fit,” really, and why does it seem to matter so much?

[Anonymous]

I am under no illusions that the corporate world is any good, but the notion of “fit” being an important component of performance or success just seems outright bogus. Isn’t this just another way to continue homogeneity? Seems like a good way to get rid of people you don’t like or don’t want around.

[Anonymous]

Social skills and likability. Very few people are talented enough to succeed without those.

[Anonymous]

Fit means you won’t make work unpleasant for everyone around you.

[Anonymous]

Corp doesn't ask you to be very good, in face, corp wants you to be mediocre and compliant.

[Anonymous]

Fit is important. Morale counts because we take surveys about our workplace, and if we get awarded "Best Law Firm for Working Mothers" for example, then we can attract talent that is working moms who won't write us off assuming that we won't accommodate kids sometimes.

If there's a partner that goes through 2-3 assistants each year, that's a problem. If there's a partner who won't work with other partners, that's a problem.

[Anonymous]

We often use “poor fit” to describe people with terrifyingly poor social skills. I’m talking about people that seem like they’ve murdered someone.

[Anonymous]

Fit is like "feel it" or "feels".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fit is important. Morale counts because we take surveys about our workplace, and if we get awarded "Best Law Firm for Working Mothers" for example, then we can attract talent that is working moms who won't write us off assuming that we won't accommodate kids sometimes.

If there's a partner that goes through 2-3 assistants each year, that's a problem. If there's a partner who won't work with other partners, that's a problem.

I think this is the right kind of “fit”, and I’ve worked at places that use that as their definition but it’s increasingly rare.

I’ve also worked at places that defined “fit” as same age/gender/race as hiring manager or most of the team. That’s a misuse of “fit” and far more common these days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Fit is important. Morale counts because we take surveys about our workplace, and if we get awarded "Best Law Firm for Working Mothers" for example, then we can attract talent that is working moms who won't write us off assuming that we won't accommodate kids sometimes.

If there's a partner that goes through 2-3 assistants each year, that's a problem. If there's a partner who won't work with other partners, that's a problem.

I think this is the right kind of “fit”, and I’ve worked at places that use that as their definition but it’s increasingly rare.

I’ve also worked at places that defined “fit” as same age/gender/race as hiring manager or most of the team. That’s a misuse of “fit” and far more common these days.

This is OP and your second paragraph is what I’m referring to. I have almost never seen fit used as PPs use it (although that’s how it should be perceived).

[Anonymous]

Someone who isn't a good fit can bring down morale faster than you think, and then you lose good employees.

[Anonymous]

I think the social skills part can always be described other ways - e.g., "Larla is unable to let go of decisions she disagrees with" or "Larlo refuses to share research."

When something is purely "fit" it tends to be that the boss/senior people want someone they can hang out with socially, and/or someone whose personal life reflects well on the company. Sometimes that matters! If you have to travel with someone a lot, it helps to be friends or share interests. If you sell a lifestyle product like outdoor equipment, it helps if all your c-suite are mountain bikers. But obviously it can turn to just cliques, too.

[Anonymous]

I think fit is actually one of the more important components. In my industry you need to be generally likable and have the ability to work well with a variety of personalities. It doesn’t matter how skilled or knowledgeable you are if you are an absolute dread to be around and work with.

[Anonymous]

I wish my bosses considered 'fit' when they hired that guy who chews with his mouth open and openly snorts all the time.

[Anonymous]

I had a job I hated because my boss hired lazy people who called out sick all the time and sat at their desk looking miserable who had chips on their shoulders and were always arguing with other staff. I couldn't wait to leave.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wish my bosses considered 'fit' when they hired that guy who chews with his mouth open and openly snorts all the time.

Don’t eat with him. Problem solved. This seems like one of the least offended a coworker can have since it’s avoidable.