What is a Maverick?

After reading Guy Kawakaki's blog about Polly LaBarre's book Mavericks at Work: Why the Most Original Minds in Business Win I was left with a whole new perception on who a maverick is. I always just thought of Mel Gibson's character in the movie titled Maverick but now I percieve them someone who is as LaBarre describes "stand out from the crowd because they stand for something truly unique." In a way a maverick is like a fool; they are apart from the rest of the crowd and challenge the norm or status quo. I like LaBarre's choice to use the word maverivk. It almost sounds heroric; someone brave and daring. People such as mavericks are a breath of fresh air when it comes to business or media planning. They stretch the limits and bring new creative insights to the table. It could never hurt to have more mavericks in an industry that is thirsty for creative insight.