Organizations that strive for innovation, adaptability, and growth cannot do without rebels in their ranks. Rebels have the courage to swim against the current and are therefore able to break through stagnation. Especially in our VUCA world, marked by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, the future is increasingly uncertain. Nyenrode professor Bas Kodden’s advice is clear: cherish and facilitate the good rebels in your organization.
What defines a rebel?
A rebel is a pioneer. Someone who refuses to simply accept the status quo and instead takes the initiative to drive innovation through creativity and courage. A rebel is not afraid to try something that may fail. They challenge the status quo and seek creative solutions to problems that others may ignore or accept as ‘the way things are’.
What sets rebels apart is not opposition for its own sake, but purposeful deviation. Through their expertise, conviction, and persuasive power, they are often able to mobilize others and build support for new ideas.
Rebels think and act differently from what is traditionally expected or accepted within an organization. And yes, rebels are often perceived as stubborn, headstrong, and difficult by managers. But that is precisely the point. Through their courage to swim against the current, they can bring about significant positive change. Both on a small scale within their immediate work environment and on a much larger scale.
What characterizes a good rebel?
A good rebel in your organization is not simply someone who breaks rules or launches trial balloons. Good rebels are distinguished by a combination of specific characteristics:
- Nonconformity: the willingness to think differently and to challenge existing conventions or procedures.
- Originality: the ability to come up with new, often unexpected ideas or approaches.
- Self-efficacy: the confidence that they can achieve their goals, even when others doubt their methods or ideas.
- Engagement: being passionate about what they do, which enables them to make progress and bring others along in their vision.
- Innovative capability: not only generating new ideas, but also successfully implementing them in practice.
This combination of characteristics makes rebels valuable assets in any organization that strives for growth, innovation, and continuous improvement.
How can leaders facilitate positive rebellion?
Effective rebel leaders are able to create an environment in which people are encouraged to question existing processes and assumptions and to come up with innovative ideas. In his book Rebel Leadership – Unlocking Innovation Through Courage, Purpose & Nonconformism, Kodden describes five key elements that make this possible.
- Encouraging nonconformity This type of leadership does not merely accept dissenting views; it actively encourages them. The goal is to create a culture in which employees feel free to question traditional approaches.
- Encouraging constructive dissent Effective rebel leadership recognizes the importance of dissent for innovation. Leaders actively seek out different perspectives and remain open to feedback, even when it runs counter to prevailing views.
- Focusing on problem-solving capability and persistence Effective rebel leaders steer toward their team members’ ability to solve problems creatively and encourage them to persevere when they encounter resistance.
- Fostering originality, self-efficacy, and engagement Emphasis is placed on the uniqueness of each individual and their ability to contribute through their own passions and strengths.
- Prioritizing innovation Rebel leadership understands that real progress often emerges from new ways of thinking and acting, which places innovation at the center of everyday practice.
By consistently applying these principles, leaders can build a dynamic and resilient organizational culture—one that is better equipped to navigate uncertainty, adapt to change, and sustain long-term growth. In this sense, rebel leadership is not a liability, but a powerful and highly effective form of leadership.
Prof. dr. mr. Bas Kodden is Professor of Leadership & Management Development at Nyenrode Business University and a member of the Nyenrode Faculty Expertisecenter Strategy, Organization & Leadership. His research and teaching focus on leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal development.
In his new book, Rebel Leadership - Unlocking Innovation Through Courage, Purpose, and Nonconformity, he explores how encouraging nonconformity and originality can drive positive and meaningful change.”