Rebels in Research: Challenge the status quo

In a recent blog Tanmay Vora says it takes a wide variety of different personalities to rule the world – and particularly for sustaining innovative research environments, it is important to challenge the status quo and experiment with novel outside-the-box solutions.

Tanmay Vora say’s ‘Rebels’ are individuals in a group that at first can seem disagreeable and headstrong, initially challenging established team dynamics and procedures. In many cases, the rebel is misunderstood, from their perspective they simply feel restricted by routine or are just so passionate for their ideas to be heard. Rebels can be unpopular with many bosses, but they are an asset to many teams providing original insights and tenacious drive to solve any challenge. In many cases, a rebel just requires thoughtful effective leadership and supportive space to develop.

Strengths: Creative, imaginative, free-thinking, generates ideas and solves difficult problems, challenging, dynamic, and thrives on intellectual challenges. Has the drive and courage to overcome obstacles.

Allowable weaknesses: Might ignore incidentals, and may be too preoccupied to communicate effectively. Can be prone to provocation, and may sometimes offend people’s feelings.

Check out the complete graphic created by Tanmay Vora below on how to cultivate environments to best support the rebels boosting your team and research group!

What rebels want at work by Tanmay Vora

Original sketch source and blog by Tanmay Vora are available here.