"You have to Fit In before you can Stand Out."

This is a lesson that one of my really smart grad school professors taught me. I certainly think it's true. Here's why:

Anytime we take on a new role, whether it's a new job, new volunteer position, a new anything, there are a couple of things we need to remember:

1. There are established group norms that you need to understand. It's a challenge when you jump in with a new perspective and identify problems that need to be fixed. To be successful long term, you need to operate within the framework that exists. Otherwise, you'll alienate people and make it very difficult to change anything.
2. As a leader, you inspire people and lead them from where they are. Think about it. If I told you that the way you'd been doing things is completely wrong and you were obviously not as smart as I am since you're doing it that way, you'd totally blow me off, right? That's kind of what happens without people saying it out loud. You must build alliances before you go into battle.
3. You cannot have my mind, until you have my heart. That's something that many people just don't understand. There is no shortage of good ideas. There is a shortage of good ideas that are effectively implemented. If you don't win me over as a person, I don't give two hoots about your ideas. The upside to this is that when you have won my heart, I'll go with you and fight for you in ways you never thought possible.

As you move into anything new, look for ways to FISO. Small wins early mean much more than a big "win" that costs you long term. 

You're smart. You've got great ideas. You've got what it takes...if you're patient. As a Gen Y, that's not the way we're wired. Ironically enough, that is the way we're led. 

You want to contribute. You want to make a difference. You want to be valued and appreciated. So does the new team you're on.

What do you think? Does FISO sound credible to you?