It pays to stand out in a crowd

Literally. Defying conventional wisdom and taking a cue from rango, the pet chameleon voiced by Johnny Deep in the film by the same name, we tell you why not blending inu00a0at the workplace can work to your advantage
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"Here in the Mojave desert animals have had millions of years to adapt to the harsh environment, but the lizardu00a0-- he is going to die," proclaims a 'wise' owl when the protagonist of the latest animated film, Rango, sets foot on arid land. The owl's words might also ring true for the novice entering the cutthroat working world, devoid of any survival skills. But Rango does survive, eventually going on to save the day, and the town of Dirt. The survival lessons we can all learn from the titular hero, voiced by Johnny Depp.

It's okay to be different
Rango is the chameleon, who can't "blend in". But it is eventually that perceived weakness, which eventually becomes a source of strength for the "lonely lizard". Rango's difference, backed up by bravado (and some luck!) that play a role in him becoming the sheriff of Dirt. It's not always about putting your head down and working hard that brings you recognition, but working smart and letting seniors know what you're doing.

Bluffing will only get you so far
Ultimately, whether you work hard or smart, if you don't have the skills for the job, bluffing your way can only get you so far. Like Rango, who has to flee Dirt, because he has been less than honest with the townspeople, you too either have to shape up or ship out. As Rango eventually does, when he bravely returns to finish what he set out to do in the first place.

Small talk isn't always small
You may not like having to make small talk with the higher ups, but it helps if they know who you are. This is another area, where it pays to be different. Office parties and get-togethers are platforms for you to mingle with the people who matter in the organisation. While you don't have to suck up, making a little noise about what you do could work in your favour.

Take calculated risks
While it's good to be brave, don't be foolish. Study your environment, the people involved and the current situation before taking a huge risk as it can backfire on you. It's best to weigh your options and take a calculate risk that is in the interest of everyone involved.

Don't give up
No matter how difficult the situation may seem, don't give up easily. People may turn against you, things may not go according to plan, but it's times like those that you have to trust yourself for, as the saying goes, when the going gets tough the tough get going. Ask Rango!

About the film
Pirates of the Caribbean director Gore Verbinski is back with Rango (voiced by Johnny Depp), an animated Western adventure about a pet chameleon who has lived his life in the confines of a glass terrarium. His safe existence is threatened when his terrarium falls out onto the highway, leaving him in the dangerous Mojave desert. There, he meets a female lizard named Beans (voiced by Isla Fisher), who takes him to her Old West hometown of Dirt. From then on, it's a fight to survive or perish.