Being A Weirdo can Benefit Your Organization By Jessica Solomon, Spark Creativity When you think of famous people like former NBA All-star Dennis Rodman or the Grammy Award winning Lady Gaga, what comes to mind? I’m almost certain it isn’t conservatism. Two things that Rodman and Gaga have in common are: 1. An optimal spot on the Perceived Weirdness Index (PWI) and 2. A track record of success in their respective industries. Many leaders and change agents share these same qualities. This article explores the power of the PWI, presence and the most optimal calibration of the two.

The Perceived Weirdness Index (PWI) The Perceived Weirdness Index (PWI) is a gauge of how different or weird one is in relation to a system. In Dennis Rodman’s case that system would be the National Basketball Association and for Lady Gaga, the Recording Academy. The level of difference that is considered tolerable in a system is often a function of what that person has accomplished (Tobert & Hanafin, 2006). Basically, the better you are at what you do the more leeway you have to be a “weirdo”. Because Rodman was one of the best defensive players in the NBA during his reign, his nightly hair color changes and other unconventional behavior were accepted. Lady Gaga’s elaborate wardrobe, make-up and concerts only add to her allure while her 112 award nominations and 49 wins speak to her talent as a singer and performer. Table 1 – The Perceived Weirdness Index

Low PWI Absorb OPTIMAL EFFECTIVENESS Reject High PWI

Having an optimal spot on the PWI isn’t relegated only to eccentric basketball players and performers. Both leaders and change agents should model unconventional ways of being, thinking, and behaving. Otherwise, what value do they bring? Winston Churchill once said, “Show me two men who think exactly alike and I’ll show you one man I don’t need.” As a leader your quirkiness, awareness and most of all presence can enhance and transform your teams, empower your staff, and reinforce a productive and nurturing organizational culture if you work it. Your difference (weirdness) is directly linked to your presence. Presence Presence represents the translation of personal appearance, values, knowledge and reputation into interest and impact. Presence is not manufactured. Read the fine print: Everyone (including you) possesses presence, regardless of your level of awareness of the impact you have. Presence, simply put is intentional being. It requires the leader or change agent to be constantly aware of self and others and to selectively use that awareness to advance their missions and visions. At Spark Creativity we ask, “If your presence is always present (pun intended) what do you have to loose by intentionally being as a leader in your organization, team or group?” Where do you fall? Here are a few competencies associated with Presence – the ability to:

Separate data from personal interpretation and emphasizing nonjudgmental observations. State things succinctly, clearly, and directly. Attend to your own experience of feelings, sensations, and thoughts, and selectively sharing them

with team members. Be aware of your intentions at any moment; being clear about the priorities of the work. Make quality connections with those impacted by your actions and helping others do the same;

model clear and permeable boundaries and influencing dialogue.

Use metaphors to paint a verbal picture. Appreciate the quality of good breathing and body centering to support yourself and others.

Presence + PWI – an optimal calibration for agents of change Spark Creativity partners with change agents to develop the kind of intentional being and strengths-based leadership that is tuned into a system’s capacity to accept and adapt to change. It is important to remember that change takes place at the intersection of what is familiar and what is different (2006). This applies to people too! As a leader you can’t be too weird or different. You can’t be too cookie-cutter or familiar (Remember the Winston Churchill quote?). Making the most of your “Perceived Weirdness” requires awareness, intent, and timing. Table 2. Change Intersection

In making the most of your Perceived Weirdness, Spark Creativity recommends that you take the time to build a platform of credibility, assess your skills and strengths and actively begin cultivating your presence – in the spirit of Lady Gaga and Dennis Rodman . If you are an organizational leader, consider partnering with a practitioner to explore ways to leverage your presence in your organizations capacity building efforts, if applicable. References: Hanafin,J. (1976).PWI—Perceived weirdness index.(Educational document). Cleveland: Gestalt Institute of Cleveland. Hanafin,J. (2004).Rules of thumb for awareness agents. Organization Development Practitioner, 36(4), 24–28. Photo credits: prlog.org, nbaloud.com Tables 1 & 2 created by Spark Creativity. Re-posting Policy: If you enjoyed this article and you would like to include it in your newsletter or blog, you may use the entire text as long as these are included with the post: 1. By Jessica Solomon, Principal Consultant, Spark Creativity. 2. A hyperlink to my website, www.sparkcreativity.info 3. OPTIONAL: Spark Creativity info below.

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“Change happens at the intersection of what’s familiar and what’s different.”

“Making the most of your “Perceived Weirdness” requires awareness, intent, and timing.”