Are you an Anomaly? I am and Here’s Why.
I am an Anomaly
Hi, my name is Claude Jones. And I am an anomaly.
Now I know this news might come as a shock to some, but believe me, it’s OK. I have come to realize that my brain functions a bit differently, compared to others, in how I approach life’s challenges.
It took me awhile to acknowledge and accept my “condition”, but once I did, it gave me the strength to talk about my situation openly.
Challenging the Status Quo
As of August 28, 2018, I hit my 6 year anniversary at Walmart Labs. And during my 2,190 days of professional careering, I’ve come to realize people don’t like change! They opt to settle and slowly acclimate to their enviroment repeating the mantra: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
But what if things are broken and have started to cause inefficiencies wasting time and money for you, the team, the company, and the customer?
What if YOU were aware of this. Would you:
(A) Willingly continue doing the same thing complaining along the way?
or
(B) Take a stand and make the necessary changes challenging the status quo?
If you answered (B), you my friend might be an anomaly.
Symptoms of Being an Anomaly
There are three ways you can contract anomalous behavior:
#1 — You are born with the condition
#2 — You consistently imitate the behavior of an anomalous person
#3 — You practice solution orientated thinking
Now, the next logical question might be, “how do I know if I am an anomaly?”. To find out, review the symptoms listed below.
Symptom #1: You are allergic to disorder
Root Cause: You organize chaos by providing a clear direction towards a realistic goal.
In a group setting, are you normally the voice of reason, challenging others to think objectively when making decisions?
If so, you might be an anomaly.
Symptom #2: You are addicted to self-improvement
Root Cause: You work smarter, continuously learning, preparing for the future.
When you start feeling complacent, do you have a burning desire to sharpen your skills and proactively take on new challenges?
If so, you might be an anomaly.
Symptom #3: You have a habit of setting higher work standards
Root Cause: You focus on quality over quantity.
When you encounter workplace challenges, do you strive for excellence, without recognition, ensuring the end product is of value?
If so, you might be an anomaly.
Curing Anomalous Behavior
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for people with anomalous behavior.
For me personally, I learned to embrace my symptoms. And in doing so, my anomalous behavior started to spread to others (i.e., my team) like an infection. For example, here is an email I received from one of my customers impacted by my team’s anomalous behavior.
Note, if you are faint of heart, please skip this part.
Being an Anomaly, Means Being a Leader
After reading this post, if you realize you’re an anomaly, please don’t be alarmed.
To help adjust, stay true to yourself and consistent in the following:
#1 — Strive to be the individual that does not conform to the status quo
#2— Choose to stay sharp and focused improving your personal abilities
#3— Continue to go the extra mile being an example to others
Embracing these anomalous qualities will cause you to feel isolated. But over time being an anomaly will become the norm and you will be seen as a transformative leader.
