It’s 8:30 in the morning, and I’m settled at my desk. I have on my brown Cole Haans, a pair of Banana Republic slacks, and a J. Crew button-down shirt. This outfit makes me feel secure, giving off a vibe of confidence. It's the kind of confidence that comes from blending in seamlessly.
Wearing this uniform, sitting at this desk, I've cemented my role in society. I am a productive member of the community. I'm someone my parents proudly mention at dinner gatherings. "Scott’s doing great! He works for one of the big advertising firms downtown."
Nine in the morning arrives, and with it, the first meeting of the day. I make my way to conference room B on the 7th floor, prepared to dive into discussions about strategy, execution, and our progress with the new Agile project management methodology. "We’re doing a reasonable job," Eric informs us. Eric's the one with the corner office. "I’m optimistic for the next sprint."
As everyone gets ready to head out, Eric requests that I wait for a moment.
I settle into my chair again. We spend a brief moment in quiet while Eric goes over his notes. I pull out my notebook and act as though I’m doing some reviewing too. Mirroring has often been a successful tactic for me. Ugh, is that a stain on the bottom of my shirt?
"Scott, I have some concerns about how well you're fitting in with the team."
How I fit in with the team? What does he mean by that?
Did he completely overlook my detailed status update during the meeting? Did he miss the account director’s praise for how I formatted the report? Is he blind to my shoes or the design on my button-down shirt?
All I ever strive for is to blend in. That’s always been my goal.
I completed my high school education. Later, I earned my degree from a prominent Big Ten university. Following that, I relocated to a city apartment. I secured a job that came with perks like air conditioning, health insurance, and casual Friday. I met my significant other. I purchased a car. Then, I landed a superior job. And then, an even better position.
This is fitting in, right?
The upcoming promotion. The forthcoming raise. The new job opportunity. The latest car. Tying the knot. Starting a family. Owning a home. The succeeding job. Preparing for retirement. Upgrading to a nicer car. Purchasing a larger house. Setting aside money for college. The future job. Higher education. Retirement phase. Grandchildren. The end of life.
This is fitting in, right?
"...an effective team needs each member to be unified in pursuing the same objective..."
I daydream sometimes.
Experiencing the breeze tousling my hair while cruising my Meteor 350 on an endless, curving road. Savoring a jog on my beloved trail, surrounded by the vibrant sounds of the forest. Strolling without direction along the lakefront, captivated by the sunrise. Imagining the business I'd launch. Dreaming about the individuals I'd encounter. Embracing the hurdles I'd tackle and the exhilaration I'd feel when I conquer them.
I have questions. I have thoughts. I have doubts. I have dreams. But they’re foolish pursuits. Sooner or later, everyone has to return to reality. It’s what’s familiar, it’s what’s expected. If you’re not hustling, if you’re not striving, if you’re not firmly rooted inside the box, you’re not doing it correctly.
This is fitting in, right?
In our current reality, there's no room for asking questions. No space for dreaming. No opportunity to ponder if the default route is truly the right one for you. All that exists is time for obedience, compliance, and sticking to the default path. This is the way to succeed. This is how you become significant. This is how you blend in.
And fitting in is what matters most…right?
Out of nowhere, Eric's voice drifts back into my consciousness. "Scott… did you catch that? Are you alright? You spaced out for a moment there, buddy."
About ten seconds I’d guess.
