The stories of successful rebels who have succeeded in their work have been collected by Harvard Business School Professor Francesca Gino. In her book entitled Rebel Talent: Why It Pays to Break the Rules at Work and in Life, she explains why leaders should support rebellion not only in themselves but also in their teams.
"When I think of rebels, I think of people who break rules to explore new ideas and create positive change," says Gino. Although each rebel is unique, they share at least five key traits: originality, curiosity, perspective, diversity and authenticity.
Gino also defines the following eight basic principles of rebel leadership.
1. Searching for the new
Most people easily lapse into a routine and forget to seek inspiration elsewhere. Rebels don't forget in this way. As a leader, try to inspire your staff with something unconventional which at first glance has nothing to do with your company and work, such as, for example, art.
2. Support for different opinions
Rebels don't look for people who agree with them; on the contrary, they encourage those around them to express dissent and share different opinions.
3. Open mind and discussion
Rebel leaders don't criticise the opinions and suggestions of others; instead, they discuss them and try to improve them without being judgmental.
4. Recognition of imperfections
Leaders should also be open about having not only strengths but also weaknesses. They should not hide imperfections and try to pretend to be someone they are not. This will gain them the respect and trust of others.
5. Knowledge of rules
You first have to be familiar with the rules before you can successfully violate them. Successful rebel leaders are well aware of the rules of their fields, and that is what makes it possible for them to come up with ideas for change.
6. Constraints as an advantage
Many people are convinced they can't come up with anything new because the content and limited conditions of their work don't allow them to do so. Rebel leaders perceive constraints as an advantage that allows them to think about things differently, more creatively.
7. Side by side with subordinates
Rebel leaders don't avoid their subordinates or their work. They often perform roles that aren't expected of them, such as helping to clean the workplace.
8. Support for happy accidents
Rebel leaders know that mistakes can bring major new discoveries. Therefore, they support close cooperation between people at their workplaces, including the higher probability of occasional collisions which will later prove to have been happy accidents.
- Read an excerpt from the Rebel Talent book.
- Take a quiz to find out what kind of rebel leader you are.
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