Do different

The job seekers lacked an identity. There was nothing driving the acquisition of skills and experiences that they listed on their resume. They did as they were told and took pride in being a good instruction taker. Their only goal was to get promoted, to make a little more money, to have just a touch more job security. If I had asked them what they were trying to accomplish in their old position, what idea or vision were they trying to turn into reality, I would have gotten a blank stare.

That vision of what we're trying to achieve is all that differentiates us from the next guy. That something else is what drives us to do different. There is no reason to push if you're only trying to fit in. Finding the most comfortable spot in the hierarchy of some organization is an act of conformance. Using the organization to achieve your vision requires guts and balls.

It also requires having an idea of what you want to accomplish and what you want to achieve. You don't need a detailed plan. You just need to recognize that you don't want to follow along with the rest of the herd. You should expect to stand out. You'll be noticed if you're the only one challenging the system, asking the uncomfortable questions, and trying to do something that matters rather than simply doing something.

Seeking surprise

I was watching the end of some catastrophe show on Discovery Channel, Scary Landings or some such drivel. The last bit of the show was about the crash landing of that plane in the Hudson. They were interviewing the captain and he mentioned that the airline industry does all that it can to avoid surprise. This statement blew me away. It was an almost throw away comment, but it spoke such a simple and profound truth.

I do all that I can to court surprise in my job. I try to find the new and unexpected to give us an edge. I look for surprises in a small range of things in my personal life. I like to try new beers. The internet makes checking out new music a virtually risk free endeavor.

My reaction to surprise, how much I need it, what I do when I stumble onto it, and whether I structure my life to tempt its arrival, says more about me than anything I may have professed on this blog. Our orientation to risk and surprise, whether we're thrilled by the new or uncertain about the uncertain, dictates our approach to all the really critical parts of life.