MIT Sloan Management Review Article on Unleash the Superpowers of Your ‘One and Onlys'

  • 4m
  • Ayanna Howard
  • MIT Sloan Management Review
  • 2022

“Jackie Robinson syndrome” is the condition where, as a member of an underrepresented group, you are the first in something, the “One and Only,” and there is a perception that you must be both exceptional and perform at a higher standard than others. (This “syndrome” is named for the American superstar athlete who, in 1947, became the first Black player invited into Major League Baseball.) Many who operate with this status are often seen as anomalies.

Although embracing these anomalous qualities can cause isolation, especially at the beginning, as anomalies continue to survive, over time they set new baselines for “normal.” One and Onlys are often seen as trailblazers because they show us what is possible. They instinctively understand this human peculiarity: They work hard to embrace their differences, to stand out and not blend in. When One and Onlys live their lives always being different, it means they inherently have learned to think outside the box.

About the Author

Ayanna Howard (@robotsmarts) is dean of the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University.

Learn more about MIT SMR.

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  • MIT Sloan Management Review Article on Unleash the Superpowers of Your ‘One and Onlys’