Each organization has its own culture. Your best chance for success in any organization is to fit into that culture. For example, if the key people are most interested in college basketball, then it will help if you too show an interest in that sport. If your company is interested in helping the environment, then you should try to buy products and services that are beneficial to the environment.

Some companies are all work and no play. If you work for that type of a company, it is likely you will succeed best by keeping your nose to the grindstone. Other companies are more laid back and you are encouraged to be more social.

There are many executives who expect their employees to be civic minded or to contribute time and effort in helping charitable organizations. If you work for such a company, you better do your part. It may be expected of you.

Purchasing professionals too often are loners. They frequently don’t mingle with other employees. You need to get around to discuss your activities and become friends with others in your organization if you want to get ahead. But be forewarned, you need to be careful to not exceed unspoken borders between various levels in the company. Don’t expect to be welcome at gatherings of executives if you are still at the clerk level. On the other hand, you are unlikely to be very welcome at union worker socials if you are in the executive staff.

Look around to see what your peers are doing to get an idea of what is the acceptable behavior. If others at your level play golf regularly, then playing golf may be the thing to do to become part of the team.

Be careful about your image. Don’t dress too formal if everyone else in the organization wears casual clothing. Conversely, you may not be viewed in the best light if you wear jeans when everyone else dresses like bankers. Common sense is your guide. Deviate from the norm at your own risk.