Been thinking about uniqueness: the good and the bad, and the yin and the yang of it. And, after much thought and deliberation (I know, get a life Scott, right!?), I'm figuring that while it's nice to be unique, its more important that our uniqueness doesn't get in the way of our true potential. Nope, not worth it in the long haul. Check it out: while self-expression and individuality are welcome and wanted, we have to be careful that we don't go overboard, and alienate ourselves in the process. Because uniqueness - at the sacrifice of opportunity - is a hard pill to swallow, let alone digest.
For many people, especially young adults just entering the workforce - that "tempered uniqueness" is easier said then done, especially as the boundaries between what's acceptable or not, are open to interpretations and influence. That's why the best rule-of-thumb, especially at work, is to keep the uniqueness in check with your employer's/customer's/market's expectations of what is acceptable. When in doubt as to what's right or wrong or suspect - look around, take note and go with what's safe. That applies to everything: how we dress, talk, walk, write and express ourselves.
As they say: perception is reality.
As they say: perception is reality.
Here's another reality: we typically don't get fired for "looking the part," especially if we perform the part. So, if our uniqueness impacts our hiring, promoting or (gulp) firing - then keep it out of the workplace. Period.
Tempered Uniqueness is Good.
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