Wednesday, September 03, 2008

On being a maverick

I've touched on this subject before, but my recent turbulence has been a direct result of the fact that I appear to fall into the category of mavericks. I never set out to do that, and I didn't used to think of myself in that light, but this article in TrainingZone magazine resonates with me over and over again.

Take this paragraph, for example:

For example, mavericks have an overiding need to tell the truth. They feel that to do otherwise affects who they are and lessens their integrity – one of the principles that they hold dear. This is why communication can be fraught, their need to tell the truth far outweighing the need to not upset someone else. The trait not to upset someone is not usually as well developed as it is in others.
Absolutely! The thing is, it goes on to say:
This is generally because they have such high self esteem, there is little that will upset them and they naturally feel that everyone else is like them. (Do not assume, however, that they are unable to be hurt at work).
I'd like to say a loud amen to the parenthesis, but I'm not sure about the first bit. My pathetic yearning to be liked can't be consistent with someone who has "such high self esteem". Perhaps I'm not entirely typical. Then again - who is?

It's comforting to know that, after the closing paragraph of this post yesterday, I am not alone, after all!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Karyn

You have a great blog which provides an interesting read. I will be returning often. I'm glad that you liked the article and found some resonance with it.

Mavericks have a high need to be recognised which sometimes can be masked by other things. This is why it is important not to ignore the maverick!

Best regards

Judith Germain
Dynamic Transitions Ltd
www.developing-leadership.com

The upsycho said...

@Judith Glad you found my scribblings interesting. Hope you are moved to comment and enter into the conversation on your frequent visits.

Anonymous said...

I have just retired from a position where I was described at my farewell as "quirky"!

Others have said that they wouldn't like to be managing me, as I woudl be difficult to manage - like you, I don't recognise myself in these comments.

I love the fact that mavericks are (supposedly) valued in US "high stakes" programs (such as teh NASA space flight program), where mistakes can kill people - but one wonders whether being identified as that maverick is a killer for one's career?

Far too many times I have observed teh "emperor's new clothes" syndrome in teh large bureaucracy where I worked (Dilbert is SO TRUE), and was unable to sit still and keep quiet to the detriment of my career. However, I could still live with myself!

Interesting topic.

The upsycho said...

@Ann - Since I 'came out' as a maverick, I keep meeting more and more people who have been categorised as such, too. I'm puzzled as to why, if there are so many of us about, it is still considered a phenomenon. It seems we're not rare... not even uncommon.

Anonymous said...

Hi Karyn

Mavericks are fairly uncommon when you consider the entire population - they do in fact stand out! This is why there seems to be a dichotomy.
Take care

Judith Germain
www.developing-leadership.com