The need for gray sheep.

The tribe provides us with a true sense of security. These are the people, this is the social stratum, that will shield us and understand us above all else. Whether it's in our personal lives or in our working lives, our tribes fortify us.

What happens when we break with tribal doctrine? Does the tribe itself disintegrate? Are we excommunicated? Do the threats of the world outside become more pressing?

I belong to few tribes. Ethnically speaking, I'm an American mess. Professionally, I've often found myself on the fringes of management circles -- welcome at the conference room table, but not invited to the golf course. In my family, not quite the black sheep, but definitely a dark gray. I think it keeps the tribes honest.