We all like to fit in with the crowd. There is a certain kind of comfort in uniformity and there is limited opportunity for failure. There is safety in numbers and automatic acceptance as you blend into the crowd.
But there is a price to be paid for complete security. You cannot be a part of the herd and stand out at the same time. You cannot be an independent, free innovator that is always thinking outside the box and bringing new ideas to the forefront at the same time you are conforming to the norm.
If you want to be noticed, you have to leave the protection of the herd. And when you do, there may be shots taken at you by those that want to bring you down. But if you are alert and wary you will survive.
Will you choose security or singularity? It's up to you!
Photo courtesy of SmokyPhotos.com
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Richard - I don't know if I chose singularity of if it chose me, but, I have never had a herd mentality. I am pretty sure what your choice is.
There is comfort in being part of the herd but I cannot sacrifice my independence. No one else would ever pay me what I 'think' I am worth!
Richard, When you stay with the herd you move up or down at the level of the herd. No breakthroughs there, strictly the battle of the fittest. The herd tries to do everything to make you conform.
I was always amused by the picture of IBM repairmen in the past coming out to repair an IBM copier (not Xerox) wearing a white shirt and tie. It didn't matter that they were repairing one of the dirtiest pieces of office equipment, the corporate culture required the white shirt and tie. The herd is very powerful.
Mike...
I know this is similar to yesterday, but this post is public and I had to use that photo! I knew that you were an independent!
Mel...
I believe that you are correct. I think that your non-conformity is what separated you from the herd, and you stood out from the crowd!
Richard I...
I once heard that J. Edgar Hoover fired an FBI agent for wearing a red tie. I don't know if it's true or not, but it's a great study on conformity!
Richard. I love this.
True, there is security in numbers.
However, it's also true that conformity is not very creative.
I find walking around with a bulls eye/target on my chest makes life exciting!
Lenn...
And I think that most bloggers, or at least the ones that stick with it, are of the creative sort!
Mel...
Well, you do have to sleep with one eye open!
What is the old saying about sled dogs...if you're not the lead dog, the view never changes! So take chances, separate yourself, do not fear mistakes or the shots you dodge...learn from them!
Funny that I just stumbled across your post...I am thinking of leaving my brokerage...to either start my own, or join one of the big guys..but I am hesitant to do that, because of what you are saying...... I have always marched to the beat of my own drum :) and I have been able to keep busy with my little no named company now....so that is my struggle at this point...conform or not to conform...that is the question...
Rich,
I'm learning and working on become more creative---The lack of creativity has been a nemesis for me. Enjoyed your post.
Laura...
I always liked that line!
Konnie...
Oh wow, it's hard to decide what to do in this day and age! If you are a risk-taker, go for it! I have seen many, many independents pop up lately!
Diane...
I spend a lot of time being creative that I should be spending on taking care of details! THX
Have never been on of the herd...wouldn't want to. You love your originality when you do.
Richard, that is why I enjoy reading your blog...you stand out...your creativity shines. Thanks for some good reading.
Richard,
Thanks for the great blog. I have never been one of the pack. I have always marched to my own tune. I think that has helped me to succeed in this business. Being one of a kind and memorable is far better than being "Realtor Barbie".
Laura G. I loved your quote/comment!
Richard,
Your post reminds me of the heyday of newspaper advertising. Everyone had to be in the paper, and if you wanted to be a player you had to have at least one full page ad. So how did you stand out - color, effects, volume? That conformity was great for the papers. :)
Steve
Nancy...
Why thank you, I am now in my stride! ;)
Betina...
It is important to do "our thing" so we stand out. Thanks.
Steve...
It was all about who had the most money to spend ... and for years ... it worked!
Rich, your analogy hits the mark when it comes to the mentality of most people, even self employed ones. Your post makes people stop and think about which type of person they are.
Good morning Richard.
No doubt, individualism opens you up to criticism. Is it worth it?
Probably up to the individual.
Thanks for writing,
Ken
Richard-Great pic. I've always been like the leader of the pack so I'd have to say I'm a trailblazer not afraid to go it alone if need be. I stay alert, it's how I survived all these years.
Have a great day.
Great thought Richard! There are always trade offs in life!
I've usually found that when we think we have complete security, we really don't!
The herd left me behind years ago, I couldn't be happier that they did.
Christopher...
Thanks, Sometimes I really do try to make a point! lol
Ken...
There are a lot more in the herd, aren't there? Something to think about!
Pat...
I KNOW that you can take care of yourself, my friend!
Pam...
And then we are shocked when reality hits!
JL...
Did you read the memo?
Richard, I personally think there is no comfort in going with the crowd......"packed like lemmings in shiny metal boxes" is a line from one of my favorites songs by one of my favorite bands. If we just go along with the crowd on everything, we miss out on lifes little opportunities
Bo
Hey Richard -You're right I can. but I'm sure you can as well. Have a great day. You ought to stop over and see my latest blog. As a photographer I think you'll like it. have a great day.
Hi Richard, Great post, we do need to stretch ourselves to be set apart from the pack. Love the photo, was it taken in Cades Cove OR is that Elk in Cataloochie?? I can't quite tell. God bless,
Richard...I prefer to lead the herd...I like to have control of my destiny!carambola
Bo...
Perhaps security, but not comfort?
Pat..
I will do that!
Cheryl...
It is the elk in Cataloochee! THX
Bill...
You would lead them well!
I had always thought I was one of the herd until a few months ago. I guess standing out worked for me even though I didn't know I was. :)
Richard- I have a funny thought....you can stand out from the herd if you have the largest antlers.....but then you are most likely going to be the one that gets shot at!
I didn't read the memo, but I did find out from a blog the other day that I am a square peg apparently.
Mandi...
And then you took charge of your life! Good for you!
Lori...
No doubt about that ... everyone guns for the biggest and baddest! So beware!
JL...
You are a peg of an entirely different variety!
Actually I learned that I was always a leader.....it was pointed out by my best friend's husband. I guess that as an independent person I just didn't realize that anyone was following me. I was oblivious and just doin my thing.
Richard-Good Blog and beautiful picture. Thanks for sharing.
The herd is boring and only plays follow the leader even if they jump off a cliff.
Mandi...
You and Mel are cut from the same independent cloth. You are an inspiration!
Laura...
You are most welcome!
Cameron...
As is happening in many real estate offices today!