Starting a new job is exciting and can also be intimidating; after all, you are moving into a new environment. And although you know exactly how to achieve your task, you are now faced with a different cultural ecosystem. As such, there is another scale you would need to find balance on. That scale is “fitting in” versus “standing out.” I recently began a new job and was surprised at how easy it has been to get accustomed to the daily routine, but it has made me ask the following question internally, “Do I want to fit-in, stand-out or some combination of both?”
There are many ecosystems in every new professional environment: unwritten rules, established rhythms/routines, and existing interpersonal relationships/dynamics. From the minute you walk into a new workplace, you are not simply starting a new job; you’re entering a live and vibrant culture. And depending on how you enter this culture, the way others will perceive you and the way you’ll feel about your work will be determined by the decisions you make.
Fit-in: The Strength of Being Aligned
Fitting in is not about hiding who you are; it is about learning and becoming familiar with your new environment. In those initial weeks (or months) in a new job, you will likely observe many things:
- – How do team members communicate?
- – What is valued by leadership?
– Are there certain behaviours that are rewarded/penalised?
– What patterns/rhythms define the workday?
By choosing to fit in, you create a sense of stability and confidence. It signifies a respect for what is currently working well. It establishes trust and demonstrates that you are willing to learn before you try to change. These characteristics are something that most leaders respect.
However, by choosing to fit in, there is always a risk that you may become lost in the crowd and never take steps to move beyond fitting in.
Stand Out: The Courage to Offer Something New
According to research, newcomers aren’t just expected to blend in — supervisors often anticipate that new employees will challenge the organisation’s functioning and stand out, rather than simply adjust their behaviours and maintain the status quo. To stand out, you will need to be intentional about creating value in a manner that showcases your strengths and perspective.
There are several ways you can stand out:
- Suggest meaningful improvements
- Consistently produce quality results
- Take the initiative to solve problems, but do not overstep your bounds
- Have a skillset that the team did not realise they were missing
According to organisational-behaviour research, new hires adjust in different ways: some adapt themselves to fit the existing structure, while others reshape their role or environment if their job offers enough discretion or novelty, or if there is a need for control or feedback. That means standing out isn’t just about being bold; it can be a legitimate, sometimes preferable way to integrate, especially when you spot opportunities to improve how things are done. However, the same researchers found that people don’t always adjust by conforming. Under the right conditions: supportive environment, certain job characteristics and individual initiative, many choose to “make the job fit,” contributing positively to change and innovation. Of course, the “job-shaping” approach doesn’t always work: the research shows it depends on factors like how much control the job allows and whether the organisation’s onboarding and socialisation practices encourage proactivity. That’s why starting out, by observing and learning the culture can help you assess whether now is the right time to offer suggestions or push for changes. Yes, standing out is important because organisations grow and succeed based on innovation and the introduction of new thinking/perspectives. However, to stand out too quickly or too strongly can be seen as ignoring the current culture. Remember, timing is everything.
Finding Middle Ground: Blending in While Staying Visible
Where I am on the Scale
For most people, the choice of whether to fit in and/or stand out is a false dichotomy. The greatest power comes from doing both. Achieving a balance between fitting in and standing out requires new employees to listen first and act second. Based on my experience in being a new hire at several jobs, it is best to use your initial weeks/months to listen and learn about your colleagues’ behaviours and the company’s dynamics. Make subtle adjustments without losing yourself by fitting in with the culture of the organisation, but continue to showcase your skills. Build your credibility through small, unobtrusive contributions by contributing quietly at first. Once you know the lay of the land, your innovative suggestions will resonate and gain the respect of your peers. And for crying out loud, don’t get tied up in the organisation’s politics and cliques. Achieving a balance between respecting the status quo and shaping the future of your new employer is possible.
For the couple of weeks on the job, I have come to understand that I don’t want to choose which side to take either. I would like to integrate into the team, while allowing the uniqueness I bring to the table to shine through. I want to be able to navigate the company’s culture effectively, but not to the point of losing the potential to challenge and advance it.
A new job is a test, and an opportunity; and possibly the most important question isn’t whether you should fit in or stand out. It’s how you combine both in order to create an image that is authentic, impactful, and sustainable.
AcedIt!!! 
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