IN the bustling world of work, where superstars snag headlines and underperformers hog attention, there is a silent majority, the mid-level performers. Topher, from accounting (you know, the one with the stapler collection?), is a perfect example. He embodies the quintessential workplace 'middle child.' He never throws a wrench into the office routine, rarely needs hand-holding, and consistently delivers dependable, B+ quality work.

But much like the strategically placed middle finger of your hand, Topher can get a bad rap. Stuck between the thunderous applause for top performers and the constant intervention needed for struggling colleagues, Topher might feel lost in the shuffle, like he is perpetually standing in the middle of a group photo, partially obscured by someone else's elbow.