Back to work…

Fear of being “the outsider” is as common as our fear of the outsider. We fear the outsider is here to kill our community and when we’re outside the circle, so to speak, we’ll do almost anything to be accepted and invited in. Have you ever felt like an outsider? I have. Me no likee either. If you’ve always been an insider you can feel free to skip this one. Moving on…

For those still with me, you can see this most easily in high school as students strive to be in the “in group.” It is amazing what kids will do to get in the right clique, isn’t it. The same is true when we mature to the collegiate league. Remember? Young men and women do whatever it takes to get in the right fraternity or sorority. We pledge our allegiance as long as they’ll let us in. We gotta get in, don’t we? You see this where you work too. You do see this, don’t you?

You may, in fact, be feeling like an outsider in your company, your office, your division, your department, or whatever you deem your team. You may feel like you belong where you work but you want more. You want to be a part of the inner circle – the place where intimate secrets are told, strategies are shared, and high performers congregate to congratulate one another. You want in and can’t seem to stop yourself from thinking and ruminating about how you can break in. Again, C.S. Lewis comes through with some insight you and I can use. He offers truth for every team. Here it is. Do NOT miss this. This could be HUGE.

“If in your working hours you make the work your end, you will presently find yourself all unawares inside the only circle in your profession that really matters. You will be one of the sound craftsmen, and the other sound craftsmen will know it.”

Now that is some kinda Clive clarity!

Focus here, my friend. Focus on mastering your craft. And, as you become a master in your world of work, you will find yourself in exactly the circle you deserve. You will find yourself surrounded by a few like minded, like disciplined, and like skilled men and women. And, the funniest part is around what you will call them. Do you see it? You won’t call them by some kinda executive committee, board, or any other official kinda name. You will simply call them friends.

Focus on mastery and a circle will form ’round you. This is a circle of friends you get by earning your way in, period. Forget playing the game to get in. Listen to Lewis and make your work your end. You’ll get exactly the circle you deserve. Cool.

Back to work now. Back to work…