A Cultural Compass understands the organization’s DNA and has a finely tuned sense of what’s right and wrong.
Which is why he or she knows when the team is going against its character. People can read the compass—even just his or her body language—and see that something is off. And when the team seriously starts to lose its way, the cultural compass will gently but firmly ask questions until a new course is set.
If this is your superpower:
Because your convictions are so strong, it’s easy to see everything in absolute, black-and-white terms. Try to stay open-minded and empathetic about your teammates and the choices they make.
Organizations, like people, evolve over time. Make sure you’re keeping pace and not standing guard over a version of the culture that no longer fits.
If you’re working with them:
The Cultural Compass may not be the loudest member of the team. But when you solicit his or her opinion you will inevitably get a thoughtful response that makes you grateful you asked. So remember to ask.
The truths raised by a cultural compass can sometimes be inconvenient ones, but ignore them at your peril. They will almost always crop up—even more inconveniently—later on.