You may not know this, but I once was a corporate rebel. A mostly associate that term with Lois Kelly, the person I first heard and connected the idea with. I'll get to Lois's work in second.
I was the guy who would get on top of filing cabinets (I'm not kidding) and protest bureaucratic processes and meaningless rules that hurt clients and employees. Needless to say I had a reputation. In many ways it's a miracle I lasted as long as I did in that world. The main point is about heart motivated action to change things for the better.
I didn't work for companies that appreciated rebels. I'm certain I was tolerated because of my knack or ability to make money for the organization. Rebels were a threat culturally. Rebels saw what many preferred to ignore, either for convenience or fear. This is quite ironic since rebels (at those with integrity) really seek the organizations well-being.
Alas, my story leads into an even better one. Lois Kelly has done a lot of good work for quite some time. I think she's brilliant. You can get to know her and her work better here. But take a look at the following story and background for her take on the corporate rebel and why they should be embraced, not shunned. Here's to all the corporate rebels out there.
Thanks and glad you found the content interesting.
What an interesting blog
Lois,
Glad to do it! Living, as we do, in the post-industrial age makes the leading and encouraging of the good rebels vital. We need them, as you so eloguently describe.
Eric,
Thanks so much for sharing your story — and helping others see the value of we rebels who want to improve the world in small and big ways. It’s not easy to be a truth-teller. But if we don’t step up, who will?
I believe the courage to speak up and show better ways forward is a gift — and I hope more people will find the courage to use their gift to help effect change. The world needs good rebels now more than ever!
Lois