Comments

In my work life, I aspire to be known as a 'QUIRKY MASTERMIND'

Posted by Scott Segal at February 23, 2005 4:27 PM

As we define 'normal' as lacking any distinguishing characteristics, those who are normal become commodities - socially, culturally, and in the workforce.
Companies and products that can be commodified become the bland backgrounds for those who differentiate themselves. The same is ultimately true of people, I'm afraid.
A tool without an edge is useless to the craftsman. Look at your employees that way, and you might be surprised to discover where your real competitive value lies.

Posted by Stuart Simpson at February 23, 2005 6:20 PM

Weird has its role but it must be diplomatic, optimistic, energetic, value-added - then it is closer to genius at times.

Plain weird is anti-team - and today it takes a talented, loyal team to advance with extreme speed and profit.

Posted by John at February 23, 2005 8:45 PM

Weird.....hmmm since i read re-imagine i must say it has changed the way i think but the implementation is not so easy, i guess its a "way of life u develop"........ over time....right Tom?

Posted by kayode Ajewole at February 24, 2005 12:20 AM

Bravo.... but don't MEASURE weirdness. Measurement and quantification would kill the spirit of it. In my mind, if you can't recognize weird genius- all the numbers in the world can't help you.

Perhaps the surest way to recognize and cultivate weird geniuses in yr. organization is to cultivate the weird genius within yourself (then you will attract weirdos without any conscious effort).

Posted by AJ Hoge at February 24, 2005 2:33 AM

I applaud anyone who makes a point of breaking the mold. That's my first response. My second is to feel it's cheap to say that people should break the mold but then leave the how hanging in the air. So, HOW would you hire and measure weirdness? And don't say it: just do it! We all know that over 99% of all organizations are filled with boring numb skulls terrified of hiring people that are a little more exotic than themselves. You ask the Mold Keepers to break the mold...

Posted by Olav de Maat at February 24, 2005 12:06 PM

I agree with Tom but I also think there is a systematic problem here. In Re-Imagine, Tom goes to great lengths to explain the problems with the eductaional system. I don't think it's right to call "ordinary" people numb-skulls. We are all a creation of the system that dumbsdown and promotes the status quo (and so the rich get richer). But some individuals have "cracks" and let the light in. But most of us are scared to come out of the cave and prefer the devil that we know. So how far are we going to let "weird" go?

Posted by Steve Robert at February 25, 2005 11:48 AM