Dear Bob ... I'd like a note a situation where it may be a good idea to not hire based on "fitting in" [see Why Fitting In Helps Profits]. There are times when an organization has become lethargic, bored, whiny, unenthused, tolerant of mediocrity, and thus are unable and unwilling to move forward to improve. In short, a new outsider, with vastly different background and experience can be hired with the express i Dear Bob …I’d like a note a situation where it may be a good idea to not hire based on “fitting in” [see Why Fitting In Helps Profits].There are times when an organization has become lethargic, bored, whiny, unenthused, tolerant of mediocrity, and thus are unable and unwilling to move forward to improve. In short, a new outsider, with vastly different background and experience can be hired with the express intent to “wake people up,” to inject new perspective, to widen the possibilities and to foment improvement. That person must be a special talent as that individual must tolerate strong resistance to change, have persistent drive in equal measure to their patience, be an engaging, positive character, have a quiet internal strength to overcome sniping, rumors and subterfuge, and have the strong support of the management team that hired them. Want an example? Try Jackie Robinson.– Not so good a fitDear Not So Good … You’re bringing up a great point and a subtle distinction – the difference between fitting in and “going native.” The former is essential, especially for someone who wants to foment change. It’s the difference between being a leader and a maverick: Both go their own way; others follow a leader who does. Nobody follows a maverick – that’s what makes someone a maverick.If you go native, on the other hand, you accept the status quo as the way things have to be, and in doing so stop leading. I think your objection has more to do with this situation than with someone who successfully fits in as part of the effort of leading change.How do you stay on the right side of the line separating these two? That’s a question with a simple answer, but which is not simply done: Every day, remember the change you’re trying to lead, and that everything else you’re doing is part of making it happen. What happens when you go native is that you lose sight of what you’re trying to accomplish, subordinating it to the effort to fit in. Well, maybe every other day, but no less often than that.– Bob ——– Technology Industry