Standing Out is the New Fitting In

Shirk conventions and express your individuality. You and your employer will benefit.

More than ever before, organizations need to continually adapt to remain viable. A company’s ability to adapt is made possible by employees who are forward-thinking and capable of proactively implementing innovative ideas and solutions. To hire and retain this type of employee, many organizations have embraced innovative workspace formats to promote collaboration and creativity, as well as technology tools to improve communication and enable flexible work schedules. Organizations now realize that to succeed, they need personnel who are willing and able to break from established employee conventions.

From infancy, we are conditioned to accept and adopt conventions for behavior that blaze a path to a functioning society. Conventions serve as signals along the trail that give us clarity and keep us safe, but can also eliminate the need for individuality and creativity. This path is one of least resistance that only promises to lead us safely from childhood to adulthood and into the workplace.

Conventions in the workplace, including protocols for leadership, career management, and employee behavior, have undergone a dramatic makeover in recent decades. In many cases, employees are encouraged to take the unconventional path and offer an original perspective. As a result, standing out has become the new fitting in.

The evolving workplace

A generation ago, employees were expected to adhere to conventional workplace rules and norms — show up on time, do your job, do not disturb the status quo. In return for their obedience, conformity, and trust, employees were typically rewarded with job security, and after some number of years of dedication, a promotion. Career success came from fitting in (being loyal) and not from standing out (being a troublemaker).

The advent of computer technology has shifted workplace expectations, because employers now expect employees to work differently. Computers, the Internet, email, and smartphones increase access to information as well as the speed at which it is obtained. The ability to research and share information in seconds has overhauled workdays, and helped to make companies more global.

It is no coincidence that as computer technology has changed the way employees work, so, too, has employee behavior changed. The thought that an employee should sit obediently and quietly from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. performing routine tasks in a cubicle under the surveillance of a supervisor now seems rather ridiculous.

Progressive employers have pulled back the curtain on company strategic decisions, and often ask employees to vocalize their opinions. The goal is no longer to get the job done at all costs, but rather to accomplish reasonable goals that do not drain staff of energy or motivation. Employees are trusted and expected to manage their own workload. Working hours are more flexible and the work environment has been expanded to include remote locations (e.g., home, coffee shop, etc.).

Perhaps the biggest change to the workplace has been increased collaboration. Organizations have embraced a team-oriented approach that enhances communication, improves decision-making, and reduces errors. The added benefit is a more engaged and empowered workforce that is motivated and invested in the organization, which is vital to a successful and competitive business.

The celebration and encouragement of employee individuality is a win-win for employees and companies. Employees gain valuable personal satisfaction, and their enhanced engagement enables companies to adapt, evolve, and profit.

The unconventional employee

An unconventional employee needs to understand his or her values, motivations, skills, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as have the courage to admit mistakes and learn from them. With this personal foundation, an unconventional employee can successfully function and collaborate as a member of a team, confidently challenge assumptions, and contribute to a creative and positive work environment.

Know yourself. Your personality — quirky and odd as it may be — is who you are, and...