Issn Print: 1042-895X
Publication Date: 2001/11/01
Leading the Way: Finding “The Right Fit”
Excerpt
As I struggle to zip my skirt, I am reminded of the reason that I chose to begin a diet and exercise plan. Although I can hide this need from others by wearing a jacket or a loose-fitting sweater, I am acutely aware that I do not have “the right fit.” I am uncomfortable. I do not like how it feels. I cannot wait to escape this “wrong fit” by the end of the day. Have you ever been in a role that is the wrong fit? I was once in a role that did not allow daily exercise of my critical thinking skills. The job lacked “spice.” I kept thinking, “Give it some time. It is just a very different role.” I was attempting to hide my dissatisfaction. Fortunately, one of my leaders recognized my discomfort and suggested that I apply for a nurse educator role. I thrived in the role as educator for 5 years. The role was the “right fit” for me.
Finding “the right fit” is essential to retention, productivity, profit, and customer and staff satisfaction (Buckingham & Coffman, 1999). If you get the right people in the right roles, you will absolutely increase the odds of retaining them (Kaye & Jordan-Evans, 1999). Most likely, all managers have examples of employees who just did not fit and eventually left. This is a costly mistake.
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