U.S. Army General George S. Patton once said, “If everyone is thinking alike then somebody isn’t thinking.” While there’s a lot to be said for teamwork and “being on the same page” in almost any kind of relationship—professional or personal—that doesn’t mean you let one guy (or gal!) do all the thinking.

Does anyone else think this is a striking statement, coming from a revered World War II Army General, a man whose career depended upon the expectation of working together on a common goal? Maybe not. Because at the end of the day, each of us only has to be able to work with others; nothing says we have to be carbon copies of one another. Hopefully, we have the good sense to think for ourselves, to know a good idea (or strategy) when we see one, and to decide what our individual role will be. Nothing fires me up more than the response, “Just because” or “I don’t know; I just do.” The word just was never meant to be used that way. To be just is to be open minded, unprejudiced, objective, and fair.

So, in honor of our September different by design issue, celebrate your own unique qualities—the very ones that some others may rib you about. Also, reflect on the distinctive traits of those around you—not simply the elements that are easy to appreciate, but examine the ones that you often find annoying…maybe there’s another way to see them after all.