Different and When It’s Okay
Monday, May 9th, 2011
We all have a quirky side, a side of us that likes to standout and be different and that let’s us show our full range and colors. It might not be as blatant as coloring our hair red, but it could be saying something unexpected and “out of character” in professional environments, expressing your personal views in a meeting where you’d otherwise not voice an opinion or not agreeing with the mainstream.
For some, knowing when it’s okay to assert changes and and act differently within certain boundaries is easy. For others, it’s more challenging to fit in and feel appropriate to their situation. Only you can determine how important it is for you to align with others and your environment. Your livelihood may depend on it. If you’re a musician and being unique is encouraged, then you can flaunt your style in ways you wouldn’t have the same opportunity for in more formal environments.
Here’s a few questions to ask yourself and help you know when it’s okay to be different:
1. Are there others in my environment who act similarly?
2. Has anyone told me directly that they expect this kind of behavior or the way I like to dress is acceptable?
3. Is there anyone at my job or client’s office I can check with confidentially, if I’m not sure what’s acceptable dress or behavior?
4. Will a more reserved behavior, at least till I understand the lay-of-the-land, help me have a better sense of what is expected or common here?
5. Are there other environments, such as at home or out with friends, where I can dress more casually and feel more freedom to voice my opinions that won’t affect my professional life? Am I willing to make that compromise?
6. Is my position with my type of work such that it would be best to keep a lower profile with all public exposure and leave my private at-home life the place I express myself fully?
As the old adage goes, when in doubt, don’t. So unless you’re sure you can really be more outspoken or flamboyant, check it out with others and test the temperature of the water first. Otherwise, if you’re feeling your style is being crimped and your true expression isn’t acceptable where you are, then you should look for places to work or play in that will fit you better.















