This article took me longer than expected. To be completely honest, I wanted to write something
useful related to AI tools we can use in our everyday tasks. But this week alone, I’ve read at least
three articles about this by (take a guess…) some of the most recognized staffing agencies out
there. It amazed me that the information was so similar in all of them to the point that if you tried to
fight for copyright, you wouldn’t know who to sue first. To say the least, we are becoming boring,
uncreative, uninteresting leaders and mentors. So, read along and help me dive into the power of
uniqueness. Because being unique is a strong, often underrated quality that can help us shine.
Table of Contents
Be Yourself
Remember that phrase from Oscar Wilde that says “be yourself; everyone else is already taken”?
In today’s global work market, the only thing we can try to achieve that will make us feel good
about ourselves without taking its outcome into consideration, is the fact that no matter what you
do, as long as you are putting your heart and soul into it, it shows who you really are. Your
knowledge, passion, and original thoughts are much more important and meaningful to show than
the little amount of success you will get by doing whatever is trending in an slightly upgraded
version. A brand-new idea taken into action is probably better than one that’s been improved for
the millionth time.
Outside The Box
We usually say to our team members struggling with numbers or results to “think outside the box”.
But we, as leaders, keep repeating that shallow, meaningless phrase as if it actually worked to
encourage them. Of course it doesn’t. When leading and mentoring others, focus on who they are
so as to provide them with proper guidance. Research with them, push them to find those new
concepts by reading and learning, not only from you but from others. Having recurrent meetings to
share information and best practices strengthens our confidence and capability as team members,
and as individual professionals. Diversity shouldn’t be wishful thinking alone, but a tangible
component in the values we state as executives.
Are my ideas any good?
That’s a valid question. Maybe you think you need to mimic others to succeed. But no, you don’t
have to. Success is a journey that looks different for each one of us. Simply because success as a
concept is different for everyone, too. I talk about it in depth here but my point is
that being somewhat rare is an advantage. Chances are we do not all want the exact same thing in
the exact same way. Let’s take that as a sign of individuality, on the bright side of that word. Being
individual is not necessarily a bad thing. Quite the opposite, if you dismantle the idea of standing
out as something negative. There’s no such thing as ‘silly questions’ or ‘terrible ideas‘ if you are
pushing yourself to know more, learn, and collaborate with others.
Keep it Positive
If as a team member, or a leader, you are facing challenges of any sort don’t see them as ‘no-can
do’s,’ but as opportunities to grow. If what you are doing feels too difficult, if you can’t wrap your
head around it, or if you need more time to profit from it, that’s fine. I believe in the value of
creating meaningful and heartfelt stuff as a powerful motivator for human beings. I doubt there are
too many people out there that would rather “copy and paste” something they liked from another
person that having their own thoughts come to life. After all, most of us want to leave an imprint in
this lifetime. Right?
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