“Know the rules, so you can break them effectively.” -Dalai Lama

Hidden Brain is one of my favorite podcasts and always gets my gears turning. In a You 2.0 episode called Rebel With A Cause, author, Francesca Gino, talks about her book Why It Pays to Break the Rules at Work. The episode gripped me with a different perspective of an idea we teach as yoga+wellness professionals - when we release ourselves from the burden of judgement, by letting go of expectations from others and ourselves, we can tap into the creative-innovative energy inside of us. We feel more free, more inspired, more curious! We are no longer consumed with what others think, but still remain open and allow ourselves to be vulnerable. Being vulnerable and open leads to the feeling of being nourished and connected with those around us…with the world. We can then nourish others and form meaningful relationships centered around sharing and learning. This concept can be applied to both personal and professional life - whether it be teaching yoga, managing a product team, or nourishing friendships.

The term rebel often holds a destructive connotation but, Gino shifts that idea and gives 5 key attributes of a constructive rebel:

• Novelty. A rebel seeks new and challenging experiences to shift stagnant energy.
  
• Curiosity. A rebel is a lifelong student…constantly questioning assumption.
  
• Perspective. A rebel values and seeks perspectives that differ from their own.
  
• Diversity. A rebel seeks to engage with those from diverse backgrounds and challenge social norms.
  
• Authenticity. A rebel is open, genuine, and vulnerable…driven by the longing to connect with and learn from others.
  

I began studying authentic leadership in college while working on a research project with my psychology professor. It is an idea that has stuck with me and influenced me throughout my career thus far. I believe by living with authenticity the 4 other attributes come naturally. And, as Gino illustrates, this idea of authenticity can easily be applied to innovation at work. Because, when we let go of ego and allow ourselves to be vulnerable and transparent with our team we allow room to better connect and communicate with them and, ultimately, learn from them. That is authenticity. This cultivates an environment of support and trust. Curiosity and innovation thrive in this environment! When we feel supported and trusted, we are more likely to take (constructive) risks because we do not fear the repercussions of ‘failing’. We get comfortable with the uncomfortable…breaking habits that shackle us to the familiar and obsolete. The doors are opened for innovation when we remove barriers, leap into the unfamiliar, and harness that rebel energy to do meaningful work.