Choosing the right company to work for is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your career. Sure, salary and benefits matter, but if you’re going to spend a big chunk of your life there, you need a workplace where you feel valued, inspired, and supported to grow.
After decades of mentoring business leaders, I’ve seen what sets great companies apart—and it always comes down to three things: strong leadership, a thriving culture, and alignment with your personal values.
Over the years, I’ve shared these insights with business leaders through my work, including conversations on The SCALEit Method and lessons I’ve captured in my book, Scale or Fail. If these key strategies are non-existent in a workplace, there is a low chance for you to grow and be successful:
Empowering Leadership
The tone of a workplace is set by its leader. A true leader isn’t a micromanager who dictates every move. Instead, they empower their team to step into their own leadership. They create an environment where people trust their decisions, take ownership of their roles, and feel motivated to contribute to the company’s vision.
Before committing to a company, ask yourself: Is this a leader I can trust and learn from? A strong leader focuses on the big picture, inspires their team, and provides the tools and guidance for success.
A Clear Mission and Vision
A great company has a vision that is crystal clear—and a team that’s passionate about bringing it to life. When a company is forward-thinking and adaptable, it creates an environment where employees are constantly inspired to innovate and grow. A stagnant company with no clear direction will not provide the kind of energy and opportunity you need to thrive.
During the interview process, listen carefully to how the mission and vision are described. Do they resonate with you? Do they make you feel excited about being part of their future? If not, the door is still wide open.
Genuine Care for the Team
At the core of every great company is a genuine commitment to its people. Leaders who invest in their employees, celebrate diversity, and show appreciation for hard work create an environment where people feel valued as individuals, not just another headcount in their workforce.
Companies that commit to their team’s personal and professional growth, show gratitude, and support well-being are the ones worth working for. Look for signs that the company prioritizes its team, such as mentorship programs, wellness initiatives, timely performance evaluations, or clear paths for advancement.
How to Vet a Company’s Work Culture—The Right Way
Work culture is like the heartbeat of a company—you can’t always see it, but you can definitely feel it. It’s what makes you excited to show up to work (or dread it) and what determines whether you’ll thrive or just get by. I’ve seen so many people get caught up in flashy job titles or perks, only to find out later that the culture wasn’t what they expected. That disappointment is preventable if you take the time to do your homework.
One of the most clear signs of a strong culture is employee retention. Think of it this way: people don’t stick around in a place that doesn’t value them. If a company has employees who’ve stayed for years, that’s usually a good sign that leadership is investing in their people and creating a supportive environment. On the flip side, if there’s a revolving door of employees coming and going, it’s worth asking why. During the interview process, don’t be afraid to ask how long team members typically stay with the company—it’s a fair and telling question.
Another tool at your disposal is online reviews. Platforms like Glassdoor and LinkedIn are great resources for getting an unfiltered look at what current and past employees think about the company. Pay attention to recurring themes. Are people talking about supportive leadership and growth opportunities? Or are you seeing a lot of complaints about poor communication and high turnover? Of course, no company is perfect, but patterns in the feedback can give you a solid sense of what you’re walking into.
Lastly, never underestimate the power of the interview process itself. This is your chance not only to sell yourself but also to get a feel for how the company operates. Was the process organized and thoughtful, or did it feel rushed and chaotic? Did the hiring team take the time to explain their mission and vision, or were they more focused on filling a vacancy? And most importantly, how did you feel walking out of that conversation? If you felt inspired and aligned with their vision, that’s a strong sign that the culture might be a great fit for you.
Choose Purpose Over Perks
The right company isn’t perfect—it’s real. It’s led by people who inspire and challenge you. It’s built on a vision that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning. Most importantly, it values your contributions and growth as much as you do.
This decision isn’t just about today but about how you can get by tomorrow with a decent salary and healthcare perks. Take it seriously, as it's the trajectory you’re creating for your future. Choose a place that aligns with your purpose, excites your passion, and supports you in becoming the best version of yourself. That’s when work stops being work—and starts being something much more fulfilling.
Allison Maslan, CEO and Founder of Pinnacle Global Network, was recently named “One of the 10 Women Entrepreneurs to watch in 2023”, by Forbes Magazine. She is the Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author of, Scale or Fail, which is endorsed by Daymond John and Barbara Corcoran of Shark Tank. Allison’s built 10 successful companies over the last 40 years. For the past 14 years, she and her team of business mentors have helped over 150,000 Founders scale their businesses, fast-track their success and create a more meaningful life through her company, Pinnacle Global Network, one of the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies. Allison has shared the stage with noted business leaders such as Richard Branson and Magic Johnson; and has been featured in Inc., Success, Fortune, Fast Company, and Forbes Magazines, is a regular contributor to Entrepreneur Magazine and a featured expert on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, and Fox across the US. She is also the host and producer of The SCALEit Method Podcast and the Women Who Own It Podcast brought to you by WBENC.
