From one perspective, standing outside is the sad position.
It’s the moment in the RomCom where the character we’re rooting for spots the love interest in the cafe with someone else — laughing, smiling, very happy. They’ve likely been showered with slush by a passing vehicle or are walking home stunned from having just been laid off. And then this debacle spotted from across the street through the cafe window.
It’s also the middle schooler who doesn’t get picked. Maybe it’s for the team, or maybe it’s a birthday party. They found out by the hushing and roaming eyes of the group as they approached from down the hall. They know that posture.
But also…
Standing outside provides another perspective. If you’re not on the team or part of the story, you can see things that the inside people can’t or don’t want to.
From that perspective, standing outside is the useful position.
If you find yourself standing outside, or maybe you have stepped outside on purpose, this is your chance to see things without bias, innovate on solutions without bias, and work to affect change without bias.
No matter where you stand, you can be important if you engage.
