“By definition, half the companies in any industry are below average. And somebody has to work at them,” Brian Millar wrote in a recent Fast Company article about ways to turn out great work even in bad circumstances.

He focused specifically on the design industry, but there are average or bottom-half companies in every business. Can you still do great work at these places?

Our workplace expert, Brandon Smith, says ‘yes’ – and it might be easier than you think.

Brandon Smith teaches about leadership, communication, and workplace culture at Emory University's Goizueta Business School. More of his advice is on his blog and at theworkplacetherapist.com. While you’re there, ask him your workplace or career question. We might use your question on a future radio segment.

Tags: career counseling, Brandon Smith, workplace, working, career