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Wanted: Rebel Talent
Video

Wanted: Rebel Talent

PopTech, 2018

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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Applicable
  • Concrete Examples
  • Engaging

Recommendation

When Harvard professor Francesca Gino suggests you engage in a little rebelliousness in the workplace, she’s urging you to be authentic rather than to graffiti the walls in the toilets. Gino’s 15-minute keynote presents rich research regarding the impact of authenticity on performance, feelings and behavior. She makes a strong case for greater individuality in the workplace, although her link between authenticity and rebelliousness needs further clarification. Leaders and HR professionals interested in enhancing their corporate culture will enjoy Gino’s insights.

Take-Aways

  • When employees conform to the surrounding corporate culture, they may end up feeling inauthentic.
  • Inauthenticity leads to feelings of embarrassment, shame, stress and anxiety. Such emotions limit performance and make it harder to persist in the face of discomfort.
  • Employees who feel free to be authentic in the workplace are more engaged, perform better and are less likely to quit.

About the Speaker

Francesca Gino is the head of the Negotiation, Organizations and Markets Unit at Harvard Business School.