A close look at failure can reveal much, or ' a failure by any other name is many things'

I have spent much time and mental energy in the previous months reflecting on my failure at my previous job. When I say, 'my failure,' I do not mean to imply that I am solely responsible for the mismatch of needs / roles / skills / culture. Nor do I mean the experience / time with the organization was a 'total failure.' Rather I mean amidst the reasons for departure, efforts at resolution and ending of the relationship lay lessons to be learned.  I did not have the opportunity to explore those lessons through mutual discussion with the organization staff or my supervisor, but that does not mean I cannot learn lessons about self, culture, communication and professionalism.

So I focus not on the organization but on my actions, inactions, communication, and expectations.  I begin with expectations. I expected the people affiliated with such an enterprise to be communally minded and into collaboration. I learned that expectation was a bit off, or at least when in reference to my role within the organization.  I have a need for collaboration and cooperation.  I value time spent discussing, sharing, problem solving, brainstorming and sharing success stories and challenges. Without that community I felt adrift, and did not cope with the sense of alienation well. In fact, I resented it.  I need to accept that I have much to learn about interfacing with communication styles different from mine.  I am capable of working effectively independently. I am action oriented and organized. Nonetheless, I also acutely value a coming together and sharing.  So my failure was in clearly recognizing that my needs were not aligned with the culture.  I failed to find a way to thrive in a climate different to that which I expected.

I also failed to advocate for myself in a manner that was constructive.   I retreated into myself at the persistent disregard of my values.  I felt I was making strides to 'fit in' while simultaneously  was emotionally distancing myself. 
I failed at achieving the goals set out, partly because I was never clear what the goals truly were - they shifted about a bit.

Maybe the language 'failure' is my limiting factor.  It in itself is rife with blame.  I need to refocus the reflection on lessons to learn, strengths to observe, achievements accomplished to recognize, and self-awareness  to glean. That is a constructive direction to take.

Lesson learned - be more aware of the culture of the workplace and how to thrive within it
Strengths observed - forming relationships with community, being genuine in all circumstances, respect for many varied persons (regardless of class, race, religion, educational level, etc..)
Achievements accomplished - a drastic increase in events offered, outreach presentations delivered and development of community partnerships
Self-Awareness gleaned - I require mutual respect in a workplace, and will not tolerate a lack of it