3 tips for being a 'deviant who delivers'

Creativity calls for doing things differently. But organisations have a love-hate relationship with people who are different. So how can you survive - and even thrive - by doing things your own way?

“If you are going to be a deviant, you have to deliver,” is the rule. Otherwise you will live dangerously. Sometimes this is exciting, but failing to deliver the goods will invite strong repercussions. Great organisations are built on ‘similarity of spirit and diversity of strengths’. They want people who have similar values but a variety of talents. Yet there is also a limit to what ‘differences’ can be allowed within an organisation. It is important to be real, however, and follow your own ‘rules within the rules’. How to achieve this goal? Be positive, be professional and be a peak performer. Let’s explore these points.

* You can be positive.

Encourage other people and help them to succeed. Sounds obvious - but some individuals flaunt their ‘individuality’ by dismissing other people’s opinions. “Be nice to people on your way up because you meet them on your way down,” said Jimmy Durante. Today’s equivalent in fast moving organisations is: “Be friendly towards everybody - whatever their role - because one day you may be applying to them for a job.” If you ever find yourself in conflict, try to go for a ‘win-win’. Being an encourager increases the chances of ‘getting away’ with being different. Being negative makes life an uphill struggle. Try completing the following sentence.

The specific things I can do to be positive are:

*

* You can be professional.

Several years ago I was approached by a brilliant marketer, let’s call him Dave, who had been twice been passed over for promotion. Getting a reality check from his boss, he found his colleagues considered him unprofessional. They said:

“He is great with clients, but rude to colleagues. He promises clients a proposal in 2 days, but doesn’t check whether we can get the data by then. During meetings he does email, rather than listen to what people are saying. He shows impatience by interrupting the speaker or going out to make phone calls. He has a brilliant strategic brain, but shows little respect for colleagues in the team.”

He had previously been in denial. Dave now saw that his behaviour was preventing promotion to a more strategic role. Of course, he had options. Dave could: a) ignore the feedback; b) say everybody else was wrong; c) attach himself to bosses who would hire him for his strategic brain, rather than interpersonal skills; d) take the messages on board and try to get another result. Dave opted for the latter option--to become more professional with both colleagues and clients. The approach we explored together was:

‘Imagine you are a freelancer running your own business and supplying services to this company. How would you behave? You would always be on stage. So you would probably behave professionally towards everybody in the business - the receptionist, managing director, PA and potential future clients you met in the corridor. People would make judgements about you every moment. You certainly have these skills - because you demonstrate them superbly with clients. The question is: Do you want to take the time to behave professionally towards everybody in the business? If so, how can you do so in the next week, month and year?”

Dave chose to make the effort. For example, if somebody stopped him to ask for a chat as he was rushing to a meeting, he no longer brushed them off. He gave them 100% attention and said: “Be good to catch up. Right now I am on my way to a meeting - but immediately after it has finished I will get back to you with a time when we can meet.” And he did. Being super-professional gives you a license to be different in other ways. Try completing the following sentence.

The specific things I can do to be professional are:

*

* You can be a peak performer.

Geniuses get away with being ‘odd’—providing they deliver the goods. Some people adopt the ‘genius mannerisms’, but fail to produce great work. Choose a specific ‘project’ that will contribute to the business. Get the sign-off from the key sponsors. Be positive and professional towards your colleagues. Then be super creative. Try completing the following sentence.

The specific things I can do to be a peak performer are:

*

Providing you do great work, you will maintain your licence to be a 'deviant who delivers'.