Breadwinners and mavericks
Some people only know how to color in the lines. They know how one model, one job, or one system works, and not much else.
Unsurprisingly, they tend to hire for these same qualities, and hire people who see the world the same way they do.
They do their jobs exceedingly well. Because they know the rules—they know how to play the game and win—and that’s what they do.
Other people don't see the lines. So they can't help but color outside them.
They have beginner's mind. Either by lack of formal training or a shortage of assets, they learn to be frugal or scrappy or clever, to break the rules and reinvent the status quo.
They don’t mind hiring people who lack conventional exposure. Or who don’t have the same background or skillset. They know they can teach them anything they need to know but don’t—because they taught themselves the same way.
They can appear aloof at times—or lost in thought. And their performance might dawdle or suffer because of it. Because, truth be told, they’re not fond of rules. And they don’t have much respect for the way things are, and would rather spend the day envisioning and inventing ways to change all of it.
Breadwinners and mavericks. Conformists and contrarians. Rule pushers and contenders. You need them both.
Best to know what you’re hiring for, in advance.