Being both an outsider and an insider at the same time offers a unique vantage point that can provide numerous advantages. Here are some reasons why it’s beneficial:
- Broader Perspective: Being an outsider gives you a fresh and unclouded perspective. You’re more likely to notice things that those deeply entrenched in a particular environment might overlook. On the other hand, as an insider, you have a deep understanding of the nuances, history, and intricacies of the given environment or community.
- Bridge Between Groups: Being both an outsider and insider means you can serve as a bridge or mediator between two groups. This is especially valuable in multicultural or multi-departmental settings where understanding and collaboration are crucial.
- Innovation and Creativity: Outsiders often bring new ideas that haven’t been considered by the insiders. Meanwhile, insiders have the contextual knowledge to know which ideas might work best. Combining both can lead to innovation.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Moving between the roles of outsider and insider hones your adaptability. You become more versatile in different situations and can better navigate various challenges.
- Empathy and Understanding: Being in both positions allows for greater empathy. You understand the feeling of being on the periphery, as well as being deeply rooted within a group. This makes you more sensitive to the needs and feelings of others.
- Mitigated Bias: While it’s impossible to be entirely free of bias, oscillating between the roles can help in recognizing and mitigating inherent biases. Outsiders can question the status quo, while insiders can provide the rationale behind existing systems.
- Better Decision Making: With a more comprehensive viewpoint, you can make more informed decisions. An outsider might ask critical questions that insiders might not have considered, and an insider can provide the background knowledge necessary to contextualize those questions.
- Growth and Personal Development: Constantly navigating between these roles pushes one out of their comfort zone. It demands personal growth, understanding, and development.
- Network Expansion: Being both an insider and outsider often means you have access to a broader network of contacts, information, and resources.
- Resilience: Facing the challenges of both positions, from the feeling of exclusion as an outsider to the pressures of fitting in as an insider, can build resilience and emotional strength.