Last week, Inc Magazine published an article online titled “8 Qualities of Remarkable Employees“. The writer listed the following qualities:

1. They ignore job descriptions

2. They’re eccentric…

3. But they know when to dial it back

4. They publicly praise

5. And they privately complain

6. They speak when others won’t

7. They like to prove others wrong

8. They’re always fiddling.

Honestly, I have no issue with any of these. I agree wholeheartedly with all of them – they are all great attributes to have within an organization.

Now, the question is: Will my employer allow me to be remarkable?

This is where the culture of an organization plays such a huge role in the unleashing of creativity and talent from their employees. A great culture will nurture these qualities and allow individuals to tinker with things, ignore their job descriptions and go off on the unbeaten path.

But the problem is many cultures won’t let their employees do these things. Everyone has to follow the rules. No creativity is allowed. This is how we’ve always done it and how we are always going to do it. They don’t seek out improvement. They prefer the status quo.

The status quo does not allow the remarkable to happen. Look at your organization – do they allow you the freedom to explore the best way to do your job? Do they let you fully utilize your talents and interests to improve the organization? Or do they want you to fall in line and behave in a uniform manner?