Stereotypes are so twentieth century.
People like stereotypes. Labels put us at ease because it means we belong and we know others belong too. The more we share of a group’s values and principles the more akin to them we feel.
We learn early that it is easier to be a stereotype then to be unique. Being different is frowned upon and – from an early age – people limit their outlook and opportunities to ‘belong’ to the norm. Individuals are taught to measure their ideas, dreams and successes against an expected criteria. Anything that doesn’t match up is ignored or rejected. Original thinking is discarded.
Why do we let this happen to ourselves?
Belonging to a group or conforming to a stereotype is incredibly tempting to many people because it make them feel safe. They have a predictable behaviour pattern to measure themselves against. Experts go against this. Belonging is not what drives an Expert.
Experts define their own vision and are pushed by their own creativity – a community stereotype concept will never suffice. An Expert’s thinking is not restricted by the limitations of stereotypical behaviours and they measure the success of their strategies by their own criteria.
Leave the labels and stereotypes to those that need them. Experts don’t fit in boxes.
