Am I Goldilocks?

Am I Goldilocks?

Ever been told you're "too picky" in your job search? Or had someone ask, "Why is your LinkedIn OpenToWork flag STILL on?" I have—more than once. Someone even compared me to Goldilocks. But here’s the thing—was Goldilocks picky, or was she just looking for the right fit?

Goldilocks didn’t settle for porridge that was too hot or too cold, a chair that was too big or too small, or a bed that left her tossing and turning. She wasn’t demanding perfection—she was looking for something that felt just right. And in the world of executive job searches, that’s not being picky—it’s being strategic.

The Goldilocks Principle of Job Searching

Leaders aren’t just looking for any role; they’re looking for the right role—one that aligns with their expertise, leadership style, and values. When people say, "You should just take the next opportunity that comes your way," they forget that a poor fit leads to misalignment, frustration, and sometimes, an even faster return to the job market.

If Goldilocks were an executive on the job hunt, how would she evaluate her options?

The Porridge Test: Company Culture & Leadership Style

• Too hot: A company with a chaotic culture, leadership instability, or misaligned values.

• Too cold: A rigid, overly bureaucratic organization that stifles innovation.

• Just right: A culture that fosters growth and collaboration that aligns with personal and professional values.

The Chair Test: Company Structure & Leadership Impact

• Too big: A government agency with layers of bureaucracy that slow decision-making.

• Too small: A pre-seed startup still finding its footing with limited resources and direction—unless you’re a founder looking to build something from the ground up.

• Just right: A company with the right balance of structure and agility, where leadership can drive meaningful change.

The Bed Test: Role Expectations & Leadership Alignment

• Too hard: A role with unrealistic demands, unclear expectations, or an unsupportive leadership team.

• Too soft: A position that lacks challenge, impact, or a clear growth trajectory.

• Just right: A role that plays to strengths, challenges growth, and offers meaningful contributions.

Why Selectivity is a Strength

It’s easy to label someone as "too picky" when they’re searching for the right fit. But what’s the alternative? Taking the wrong role leads to frustration, burnout, and early exits—none of which benefit the leader or the company.

Selectivity isn’t about waiting for perfection; it’s about ensuring alignment. A strategic job search leads to a stronger, more effective leader in the right environment. Let’s be honest—hiring managers take their time to find the right person, so why shouldn’t leaders do the same?

The Final Takeaway

So, am I Goldilocks? Maybe. But I’d argue she wasn’t picky—she was discerning. In the end, she found the option that was just right for her—until those bears showed up.

Jokes and metaphors aside, I recognize that I’m in a fortunate position. I enjoy consulting, advising, and celebrating the successes I’ve had over the years that allow me to do so.

Title: Am I Goldilocks?
Authors: Aaron Wurthmann
Date: 2/27/2025
Link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/am-i-goldilocks-aaron-wurthmann-u1skc