I could still remember a business competition in Shanghai I participated in last semester. Each team had to analyze a specific case, propose certain solutions and present them to the panel of judges. The case was about an investor who intended to enter the restaurant industry and had to choose between two franchise packages offered to him. While almost all the teams chose the franchise based on the financial situation of the investor, which was quite natural and professional, a team from Shanghai chose to analyze the situation based on the potential customer groups of the investor. Ultimately, their different way of analysis came to be a great success and they won the championship. When the judges were asked about the reason they chose the team, they simply said: ‘Oh, They had a different perspective and we appreciate creativity’.

Being different is significant for creativity and innovation. It is this difference that makes our world more colorful. Being different also means diversity, which is as the saying goes, the spice of life. Scientists need to employ divergent thinking in order to establish new models and theories. Enterprises have to employ a method of brainstorming to acquire different ideas and opinions from their staffs. Jack. F. Welch, former Chief Executive Officer of General Electrics, once said that it was the different thoughts from his assistants which helped him to make important decisions correctly.

However, being different does not mean that you have to be an oddball, which everybody hates. Being different simply requires you to think individually and not to be influenced by others. Therefore, when we come to a tough decision, let us believe in ourselves instead of following others, confidence is the best strategy. Just remember, it really counts to be different.

Editor:Liu Fang