What books and readings should inspire a Rebel at work? As you have probably noticed I have been reading a lot of books that mention “rebellion” or “revolution” in the workplace. Some others are in my reading list and am sure I will continue the discovery. I have always defined myself as an eclectic personality, and really feel to be on a mission to redefine the role of HR as a true enabler for the Human Being to express its humanity at work.
But I am profoundly aware that traditional work practices and managerial frameworks are a big obstacle to this. A reform from inside is very complicated, if not impossible. Most of the success stories come up from the moment of deep crisis, or from intentional design rooted at the beginning of the organisation. The only way to really reform an organisation today is by adopting a truly Rebellious Mindset, capable of dismantling existing paradigms and smashing assumptions and biases.
What I’ve tried to do here is compile a list of readings put in a somewhat “logical order”, to serve as an inspiration and guide for a truly revolutionary platform. This the origin of the Rebel at Work List of Books.
- 1. Rebel Organisations: Transformation in Action
- 2. Rebel People at Work: Skills, Competencies, Attributes
- 3. Guiding Rebels: Leadership Contributions
- 4. Rebel Tools: Useful Methods and Frameworks
- Conclusion: A Rebel at Work List of Books
- Comments and Feedbacks
- More posts like this
Are you ready to be a Rebel at Work?
1. Rebel Organisations: Transformation in Action
These are books that explore alternative organisational models, focusing on the thinking behind the organisation, and offering concrete examples and case studies on how a new model was applied in practice.

Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer

Gary Hamel and Michele Zanini

Gerard Fairtlough

Ricardo Semler

Dr Laurence J Peter and Raymond Hull

Frederic Laloux

Joost Minnaar and Pim de Morree

Bjarte Bogsnes

Ed Catmull

Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey
2. Rebel People at Work: Skills, Competencies, Attributes
This section of the Rebel at Work List of Books is focused more on the individuals, and their characteristics in the way they work in organisations.

Stanley McChrystal, Tantum Collins, David Silverman and Chris Fussell

David Epstein

Francesca Gino

Todd Rose
3. Guiding Rebels: Leadership Contributions
In this section of the Rebel at Work List of Books, you will find thosethat provide insights on the necessary Leadership attributes to Leading the Revolution, as Gary Hamel put it.

Simon Western

Christina Wodtke

Amy Edmondson

Kim Scott

Frank J. Barrett
Simon Sinek
4. Rebel Tools: Useful Methods and Frameworks
The books listed below offer contributions to “think rebel” even if their main focus has been to provide broader methodologies and frameworks. I concentrate here on people management and leadership.

Simon Western

Christina Wodtke

Amy Edmondson

Kim Scott

Frank J. Barrett
Simon Sinek
Conclusion: A Rebel at Work List of Books
This is only an initial version of the Rebel at Work List of Books that will grow over time, so make sure you bookmark it and come back often. Also, I do welcome Book Suggestions that can enlarge the list. You can always have a look at my current Reading List as well.
