Rebel in a Business Suit

Chapter 3

Recognising the Rebels

So how does one recognise these rebels in business suits? What is it that makes them stand out from their peers – why are they seen to be ‘r’evolutionaries’ while others are not?

I’ve noticed quite a few traits in these rebels which tend to differentiate them from the rest of the world.

Rebels (R’evolutionaries) Think Differently

A ‘Rebel in a Business Suit’ thinks differently.

They don’t like rules, they aren’t great with hierarchy and they don’t like conformity. That doesn’t mean that they can’t and won’t work within systems or use processes if they see a purpose - but they will not put up with rules for the sake of rules.

They challenge the status quo. Just because it’s always been done or said (or whatever) a certain way since forever is not a good enough reason for a ‘rebel in a business suit’ to keep things the way they are. They push things, people, organisations and the world forward and that makes others uncomfortable.

Their thinking sometimes gets them feared or villified. But they move forward regardless of the fears or dislike of others - understanding that, above all, they must be true to themselves. It is only by being true to themselves that they can be true to the people around them.

They are innovators and pioneers, willing to break moulds and push the boundaries of ‘accepted’ thinking.

Rebels are Self-Aware:

Rebels in business suits are striving to live a holistic life that integrates life, work and spirit. They want a life that helps them to achieve their full potential in the world and one that they can live on their terms.

That doesn’t mean a life without problems or obstacles –without these there would be no learning. As humans we often learn more from our moments of strife than we do in our moments of stability. I know that, for me, conflict and strife in my life - while not sought out - is often the impetus for the greatest growth and change.

The new rebels are keenly aware of how they grow and evolve by the combination of experiences from their lives, careers and their personal faith (whatever they may choose it to be). They understand the importance of measuring life out, that it is not a dress rehearsal and that it should be lived to the full.

As a result, they seek to maintain a balance between the three levels of life, work and spirit and are disciplined about how they apply their time. Such a sense of their inner selves allows them to trust their instincts…and they are usually right.

They are passionate people, understanding and working from their inner space so that they understand what it is that motivates them and gives them purpose in life. Life is about unique experiences for them - about friends, family and the shared experiences that can be created.

Rebels are interested in creating lives rich in memories that they can savour and enjoy in the years to come. Memories that weave a rich tapestry of a life fulfilled and well-spent. Memories that can recall the value of joy, laughter and well-being that comes from living a life lived in the present and connected with their people and their world.

I remember running my consulting business being constantly concerned about the next new contract, spending time working in my office in the evenings and weekends seeking “success”.

Then I would “object” to having to go on holidays – they cost money and they meant lost income-earning time! It took me a while to realise that the money comes and goes – but the loss of memories is something that can never be returned or re-lived. Imagine the loss of losing all your family photos in a fire. Now imagine never realising the value of making time for those photos and memories in the first place.

Rebels are working on being comfortable in their own skins – patient, wise and funny. They don’t always succeed at it but they understand that’s ok too, not everything or everyone can be perfect all the time – just perfecting.

Rebels are Seeking a Vocation:

For rebels their business, career or work is not just a means of making a living, not just a means by which they can accumulate wealth and engage in a pointless race of consumer comparisons. It’s not about the race up the corporate ladder either –although the new rebels are often found at the top or on their way there.

Work is something that should be valuable and meaningful for them, it should serve as a means by which they manifest themselves in the world, test themselves, fulfil and constantly re-create themselves through the myriad challenges that occur in a fast-paced career (rebels work at the speed of light too – once committed, they can’t abide wasted time or procrastination due to fear or uncertainty).

For them work should be in an area that is rich in challenge, constantly evolving, with a great vision or sense of purpose to it. Rebels like the “big picture”, they like to be involved in epic endeavours.

They are more aware of the impact that their work and businesses have on the wider world and are leading the awakening to the cause of the planet and the rest of humanity. They are broadening the perspective so that many organisations can embrace a wider view of their role.

Unlike many corporate people, rebels embrace corporate social responsibility seriously and use it wisely and to effect – making a difference to local and international communities - understanding that we are all a part of a global, interdependent, world.

Through their personal and corporate travels the see a world that is fragile and they have come to the realisation of a lost secret – that we are not meant to be parasites on the earth, but its stewards.

They are philanthropic, with a sense that they have a part to play in shaping a new world and new visions – that they are the stewards of the earth’s future and of its people. They understand that the path of evolution of oneself is only a part of the evolution of the whole. That the greatest growth for a person occurs when they are giving, not receiving.

In many cases, we find these rebels either engaged or in a place in their life where they are choosing to engage with causes wider than their own needs.

Rebels are “Edge Walkers”

I’ve borrowed this term from the book : Edgewalkers: People and Organizations that Take Risks, Build Bridges, and Break New Ground by Judi Neal,

Judi is the founder of the Spirit at Work network and defines these Edgewalkers as someone who walks between worlds, builds bridges between different paradigms and realities, and has a global vision for a better world. A good description of one of the traits of the new rebels.

The new rebels may not always have been seen as “rebels” either. They didn’t join Amnesty International or have a picture of Che Guevara on their student walls. They may not have been seen as radical or risk-takers. Maybe a little strange – but not radical!

You see, they didn’t fit into the usual rebel image either. They are their own people and walk their own way. That’s always been their rebellion. They may have had a foot in many camps as they grew – fitting in, being accepted but never fully a part of the scene – they were seeking their true selves.

Over their lifetime they matured and evolved into the new rebels for the new age and they are continuing to evolve, their numbers growing. That is what makes them powerful.

Rebels understand the value and power of balance – understanding that balance is never static – it is always dynamic and that everything is a question of the odds, that life is never certain. Rebels walk the edge of change. They understand that risk is an important part of reward and they like rewards.

They appreciate that there is a little bit of good in the worst of us and a little bit of evil in the best of us and that life is enriched by such extremes. Sometimes they’ll argue or do the opposite of something they agree with just to get another perspective. Sometimes they see the value of the stick as well as the carrot.

Rebels know that in the development of themselves and the accomplishment of worthwhile change, there is a dark side as well as a light.

It is not something they run away from but something they come to embrace as much as that of the light. As “Edge Walkers” their appreciation of this duality of things gives them a unique perspective on the world.

They don’t always follow the rules and will happily break them if they consider them to be too restrictive. Rebels in business suits value order but they will not accept constraint.

Today, rebels are the ultimate “Edge Walkers” as they straddle the change of Ages with a foot in both worlds – the old age and the new, the material and the personal.

Rebels are Courageous – They Accept Responsibility and Accountability- They Do the ‘Tough Stuff’

Rebels have an innate sense of the Zurich Axiom.

This statement is attributed to Swiss investment brokers and states that: “…if you’re not s*** scared at least once a day …you’re probably not investing enough!”

They are not afraid to stand up and speak out for what they believe in – or to protect a colleague or friend. The know how to balance the twins of courage and fear and use them to their advantage.

Rebels act from a sense of responsibility and not duty – the root of responsibility being love, whereas the root of duty is fear. They readily “step-up to the plate” when it comes to getting things done and “take it on the chin” when it doesn’t.

They understand the importance of accountability and do not engage in CYA (cover your ass) strategies. If things are going to change they understand that someone has to lead.

Through their courage and responsibility, rebels are usually at the leading-edge of things - ahead of the curve. They forge lives that leave a legacy behind them as the power of their convictions ensures that they can never be treated indifferently and are always remembered.

Rebels do not let their fear prevent their intention moving to an action. Intentions are fine but actions make change. Courage is not the absence of fear but the capacity to act in spite of it.

Rebels are not afraid to take on responsibility.

They understand that this may mean additional challenges, more work and effort, it might upset a comfortable position they may have and it might mean that they stand out from others and attract unwanted or unpleasant attention - but they do it anyway.

They understand that someone has to step forward to do the ‘tough stuff’, at some point someone has to lead the way. However they don’t do it just for praise or recognition or even power - although they may come when they are successful - they do it because they realise an important thing about responsibility - it is done out of love and a desire to be of service to others.

Rebels will not act out of ‘duty’ - they understand that too often ‘duty’ is used to force people into doing things they would rather not do - and therefore they end doing it without commitment or desire. They are not engaged with the work or the task.

Rebels understand a simple principle of leadership - never to ask someone to do something that one is not willing to do oneself. Therefore they will always seek clarity because they understand that to be successful a person needs to know clearly ‘what’ needs doing and ‘why’ it is of direct value to the person expected to do it.

Rebels lead by being an example, by being willing to be the first to ’step up’ when needed and never to give into their fears.

Rebels Are Compelling

R’evolutionaries are compelling people. They are compelling because they are driven by their vision - by passion and purpose.

They are enthused with the venture that they have undertaken, they are committed to its successful outcome and they are clear about the benefits and value that it’s success will bring for them and to the people around them.

Because they believe so passionately and have such a clear vision - they are very congruent and very convincing in their communication and how they sell that vision to others. Their conviction shines from them lending them a powerful and persuasive charisma.

R’evolutionaries instinctively tap into two very elemental values - service and love. They love what they do and they do it in the service of others.

Rebels are Collaborative Leaders:

Rebels work with people to create a sense of shared-ownership and accountability.

To do this requires critical leadership skills like persuasion & influence, mentoring and coaching, media-level presentation skills and the capacity to build networks both internally and external to their organisations. Rebels understand this and actively work on these skills.

They recognise that the values of our societies have changed and so the new rebels are at the forefront of moving people and business organisations from the old ways of thinking, managing and operating to the new ways that are consistent with the values of the “new age”.

In the old industrial and pioneering age – competition was king, the defeat of the competitor, the taking of their market share, the protecting of your market share, the rape of the earth’s resources for profit.

Productivity and profit were everything and people were treated as human “resources” – merely another aspect of capital to be applied to the success of the business or corporation.

In the ‘new age’ of information, passion and purpose, the new ‘r’evolutionaries’ see a different set of business values starting to apply. Collaboration is now the key.

The growth of markets through co-operation between previously rival companies is becoming more accepted, there is an increasing focus on ecological or “green” affairs, there is the growth of nurturing or people-oriented business practice and a greater commitment to the continual development of people within organisations.

There is finally an understanding of the damage that the culture of the “self as consumer” and “entitlement” is doing to our communities – as communities fall apart through lack of communal or political or personal accountability and responsibility.

In some countries there is a growing national focus, less on Gross National Productivity, but on Gross National Wellness or the mental and physical health of a nation.

These are radically different values from what we have been used to that are coming into being in our environment. It also demands a different class of leader – a position that the “new rebels” are well able to adapt to.

Rebels Are Focused:

Rebels are focused people. They know what the want – and why they want it.

They understand their own motivations, their values, that which engages and motivates them and keeps them striving long after others have fallen behind. They understand the value of clarity and know that a wish is less powerful than an intention and an intention or purpose requires a value or passion for it to be successfully accomplished.

Once we define an intention or goal and empower it with a clear purpose, passion or value, a rebel understands that there are no obstacles to what they wish to create. At that point they are fully committed and see no obstacles to fully accepting, wanting and expecting the realisation of that goal without any sense of reservation or guilt.

They understand the power of the mind and how it connects us to the forces of Universe. They understand that people live in “trances” and that life is something that we can create and mould by adapting or changing these trances.

In the East the world is often called an “illusion” or “dream time”. Rebels know that the ability to change their own and others life trances is a great power.

It is for this reason that rebels try to cultivate a sense of dissociation – or a “stepping out” from the world – trying to see what happens around them in a dissociated way, as if they were not a part of what was happening but merely observing.

The best way of explaining this is to imagine the feeling you have when you return to your normal surroundings after a long period away on holiday and how everything seems a little different, a little less real.

If we can learn to “step-out” of our own life trances, stress lessens and all seems possible, our perspective is broadened and we can see new horizons and new futures.

Rebels Act from a Sense of Stewardship:

Rebels are people who think globally and act locally. They understand the connectedness of things, the fragility of the planet, of the importance that a sense of community or belonging is to people and their own unique and valuable place in the nature of things.

They understand how the actions of one can impact on the many. They do not feel powerless in the face of things but take what actions they can – however futile they may seem in the face of things – to exercise what control and change that they can. They are people of action not of blame.

They are ecological in their thinking. Not just the ecology of the planet but the ecology of consequence, that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

In many cases, they are already successful people or heading there and they understand that they should return something for the opportunities and blessings that they have received – no matter how hard fought for they may have been.

In a world which discourages the taking of responsibility for one’s life or circumstance, where a sense of helplessness or passive voyeurism is instilled in us, they rebel against the norm and create their own world in their own vision. R’evolutionaries do not want leaders – they want co-leaders.

Now they are reaching out to others to educate them to the fact that we all have the power to do the same – we only have to take responsibility for our decisions.

Rebels Connect:

Rebels value connections and networks. They appreciate that they can only accomplish great things by means of using the leverage available to those who build relationships.

They have come to appreciate the value of the community and the power of the “Group Mind”. Networks provide them with support, creativity, the exchange of ideas, life and work opportunities. They have become joiners but they are selective in their networks.

For rebels everybody matters. There are no “little people” in a rebel’s world. They dislike arrogance in people and will spend time (where appropriate) with all. For them other people are just strangers they have yet to meet.

Rebels value information and influence and recognise that the greatest sources of information are often with the people who are otherwise overlooked. They walk the ground in their organisations and happily engage with anyone who’ll talk to them. This doesn’t mean that the wildly extravert – just that they understand the value of a moment spent in recognising and accepting the intrinsic worth of another person.

Rebels are Energetic and Love Fun!

In case you were thinking these rebels are incredibly serious, don’t forget that they understand that life is not a dress rehearsal and they intend to squeeze every last living drop out of it.

They are highly-energetic people – fuelling their projects and ideas and dreams with an enormous capacity for energy. They motivate and inspire others simply by being in their presence. Because passion drives them, energy radiates from them. They can be highly motivational just from the passion with which they infuse everything they do.

They have no problem having a good time and they are up for a party anytime! They love the company of others when appropriate and they are happy to get involved. They may not see themselves as having to be the life and soul of the party all the time but they know how to enjoy the company of others. Many love to dance and have an innate sense of rhythm and flow.

They love the freedom to explore, to travel, to be themselves and to follow their own paths and heaven forbid anyone makes any rules or attempts to control them. They have an “out of the box” perspective on things and can be really creative.

Rebels don’t take themselves too seriously and can have a wicked sense of humour. They have no airs and graces about themselves. Maybe that’s what gives them that “twinkle in the eye” that means that all is not what it seems. They know that laughter heals and breaks down every barrier.

Rebels are on the journey towards fulfilment of their unique and incredible potential and by living the life they lead, they inspire others everyday to also reach out to fulfil themselves.

R’evolutionaries) Do HCD not LCD:

It seems to me that the world is driven by the least of expectations - by LCD - Lowest Common Denominator. I’m not talking about the need to make things accessible to people who might be disabled in some way - in fact, they are the people who will never settle for less than the best that they can be. I’m talking about the general consensus in the working population that ‘OK’ will do.

‘OK’ service, ‘OK’ commitment, ‘OK’ quality. If you’re a rebel - committed to taking change to the next level - then ‘OK” definitely will not do. As R’evolutionaries we are committed to creating a world that is better, even more than what it is now. That change has already started within us and every day in all kinds of ways we bring it manifested into the world - despite the lethargy and outright resistance of others.

How could we not? For we are committed to a personal vision, a personal vocation. The ‘rebel in a business suit’ is driven by something greater than just ‘the suits’.

We are driven by the need to ‘give’ service - others are driven only by being ‘in’ service.

Rebels are committed to HCD - Highest Common Denominator. It is of us that a fellow Irishman George Bernard Shaw might have written:

‘Most men see the world and wonder why? Whereas I see a world that has never been and say why not?’