What's Your QUIRKY SIDE?

A question that the moderator at yesterday's Meet and Greet Networking event at the Skyrise offices emphasized on and made sure everyone mentioned a thing or two around the topic: "What's your quirky side?"

At first, I thought it was just a normal "know your corporate comrade" question. But a lightbulb went off – this was actually an opportunity to be remembered beyond the event. In such a corporate setup, you'd expect people to mention stuff around their exemplary thinking capacities, how they're good at one thing or the other (cooking, sports, reading, binge-watching – all the usual, cliché hobbies). But again, these are predictable and therefore expected – the complete opposite of the term "quirky”.

When my turn to respond came, I decided to ditch the predictable route. I spoke about my obsession with Cristiano Ronaldo and how he rates number 2 to the list of importance I give people in my life, just trailing behind my Grandma. This, I dare say, threw everyone off balance. Half of the people who spoke after me were like; "I love football but not like Leon's obsession with Ronaldo!"

The Power of Quirky

After the session and during our interactive breakfast session, different people came with questions like, "How can you rate another human being who doesn't even know of your existence above yourself?" etc. I suggested that they go do their own research on the footballer and this morning, to my surprise, one of the wonderful people who questioned me yesterday called and asked, "Is that where you get your work ethic and discipline to do whatever it takes to accomplish things you set out to do?"

This one question sparked a genuine conversation that transcended the typical "what do you do?" routine. It allowed me to share a passion that fuels my drive and dedication. It turns out, my "quirky side" wasn't just a way to be funny; it became a window into my personality and work ethic.

The Takeaway: Embrace Your Quirk

The Skyrise Meet and Greet reminded me of the power of embracing your quirk. In a world of polished resumes and pre-programmed answers, a touch of unexpectedness can be a powerful tool. It allows you to stand out from the crowd, spark genuine connections, and leave a lasting impression that goes beyond the expected.

So, the next time you're at a networking event, don't be afraid to share your unique side. It might just be the key to unlocking a valuable

connection or sparking a conversation that leads to unexpected opportunities.

Have you ever used your "QUIRKY SIDE" to your advantage in a professional setting? Share your experiences in the comments!