Introduction
In a world that often values conformity and following the rules, "The Art of Insubordination" by Todd Kashdan offers a refreshing perspective on the importance of principled rebellion. This book explores how to effectively challenge the status quo, stand up for your beliefs, and create positive change in society. Through engaging stories, scientific research, and practical advice, Kashdan provides a roadmap for aspiring insubordinates to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
The book begins by acknowledging that going against the grain isn't easy. We all have a natural tendency to conform and accept things as they are, even when they're not working well. But Kashdan argues that principled insubordination - rebelling against authority with the intention of improving society while causing minimal harm - is essential for progress and innovation.
As we dive into the key ideas of the book, we'll explore why it's so hard to think differently, how to overcome our biases, effective ways to communicate as a dissenter, and how to manage the discomfort that comes with challenging the norm. We'll also look at what happens when rebels succeed and how to wield power responsibly.
So, if you've ever felt the urge to question authority, challenge conventional wisdom, or fight for what you believe is right, this book summary is for you. Let's explore the art of insubordination and learn how to make a positive impact on the world around us.
The Power of Nonconformity: Two Ways to Shoot a Free Throw
To illustrate the importance of questioning established norms, Kashdan starts with an interesting example from the world of basketball: free throws. Most basketball players shoot free throws in the conventional overhand style we're all familiar with. They raise the ball to eye level, support it with one hand, and use the other to guide it towards the hoop.
However, there's another, less common method: the underhand or "granny" shot. This technique involves swinging the ball between your legs and launching it upward with both hands. It might look silly, but it's actually more effective. Rick Barry, a Hall of Fame player who used this technique, had an impressive 90% success rate over his career. In contrast, many great players who use the conventional method struggle with free throws, with some barely making half their shots.
So why don't more players adopt the underhand technique? The answer is simple but disheartening: they're afraid of looking foolish. The fear of being seen as "girly" or unconventional prevents players from using a method that could significantly improve their performance.
This example highlights a broader truth about human nature: we have a powerful tendency to conform, even when it's not in our best interest. We often stick to established ways of doing things, not because they're the most effective, but because they're familiar and socially acceptable.
Kashdan argues that this inclination to conform extends far beyond basketball. In all areas of life, acts of nonconformity are rare. We might like to think of ourselves as independent thinkers, but research shows that we're all subject to biases that lead us to favor the status quo.
For instance, one study found that people were more likely to view acupuncture positively if they thought it had been around for a longer time. This illustrates our tendency to assume that something is better simply because it's been around longer, rather than evaluating it on its actual merits.
Even more troubling, our motivation to conform can lead us to accept systems that oppress us. Kashdan cites a survey showing that a third of Black Americans reported being treated no worse than white people by the US criminal justice system, despite clear evidence of racial disparities in imprisonment rates. This demonstrates how people can support existing systems, even when those systems harm them, because the familiarity and stability of the current system feels safer than the uncertainty of change.
Understanding this psychological reality is crucial for aspiring insubordinates. It's really hard to think differently, dissent, and deviate from the status quo. But by acknowledging this difficulty, we can start to overcome it and work towards meaningful change.
Overcoming Bias: The Power of Principled Insubordination
To illustrate the impact of principled insubordination, Kashdan shares the story of Elizabeth Jennings, a young Black teacher in 1854 New York City. At the time, the city's transport policy allowed white passengers to demand that Black passengers leave streetcars, and conductors could physically enforce this rule.
One day, Jennings, tired of this unjust treatment, refused to leave a streetcar when ordered to do so. She was forcibly removed and arrested, but she didn't back down. With the help of a lawyer, she sued the transit service and won. This act of principled insubordination led to changes in the transit authority's policies, giving Black people equal access to New York's public transport system.
Jennings' story, though not widely known, demonstrates how the presence of nonconformists can push society forward. Diverse perspectives lead to creative, counterintuitive ideas that can actually work. And when principled insubordination is encouraged, teams and organizations can perform better.
Research supports this idea. In one study, work teams that included a person trained in principled insubordination produced more original product ideas than teams without such a member. While these teams experienced more conflict and disagreement, the rebels actually received higher performance ratings from their peers than conformists. They may have slowed down the group's cohesion initially, but ultimately, they enhanced performance and creativity.
To harness the power of principled insubordination, it's important to create a culture where dissent is not only tolerated but encouraged. This means showing rebels that their unconventional ideas will be heard and tried out in reality. By doing so, organizations and societies can unlock the potential for innovation and positive change.
Interestingly, research has shown that if more than 25 percent of a group consists of rebels, the group is likely to eventually decide on the minority suggestion rather than the original, majority version. However, if fewer than 20 percent of a group consists of rebels, the minority has no impact. This suggests that there's a tipping point for change, and reaching that critical mass of dissenters can lead to significant shifts in group dynamics and decision-making.
So, how can aspiring insubordinates work towards breaking through that 25 percent threshold and start effecting change? The key lies in effective communication, which we'll explore next.
Talking the Talk: Effective Communication for Insubordinates
To illustrate effective communication strategies for dissenters, Kashdan introduces us to the punk rock band Fugazi. While not as well-known today as some of the artists they influenced, Fugazi left a lasting impact on modern music. What's particularly interesting about them is their principled approach to their art and business.
Unlike many successful bands, Fugazi's goal was never to make money. They were staunchly anti-consumerist and anti-corporatist, refusing offers from major record labels and never charging fans more than five dollars for concert tickets. They handled all aspects of their business themselves, from recording albums to booking shows, and adhered to a "straight edge" lifestyle, abstaining from drugs, alcohol, and other vices.
However, what made Fugazi truly effective as principled insubordinates was their communication style. While they strictly adhered to their principles, they never pushed their lifestyle on their fans. In interviews, they consistently stated that their way was one way, but not the only way. This approach made fans more inclined to listen to the band's opinions and even adopt some of their practices.
Fugazi's example highlights several key factors that scientists have identified as crucial for people with minority opinions to effectively persuade others. Here are some tactics that aspiring insubordinates can implement:
Frame yourself as part of the in-group: Humans naturally favor those they perceive as similar to themselves. When presenting your dissenting view, try to establish common ground with your audience. For example, if you're a conservative advocating for stricter gun laws, remind your fellow conservatives of your shared beliefs and voting history before making your case.
Use a non-threatening communication style: The way you present your message is crucial. Speak in a neutral, non-threatening way to avoid triggering fear or defensiveness in your audience. If the majority views your argument as a threat, they're more likely to double down on their existing opinions rather than consider your perspective.
Be flexibly consistent: Research has shown that the most effective thing a minority can do is present a consistent message over time. This means being a true believer in your cause and embodying your principles, like Fugazi did with their anti-consumerist stance. However, this doesn't mean being rigid or inflexible. On less important issues, be willing to bend a little, concede points from the other side, and show genuine concern for the majority's perspective.
Spark curiosity, not fear: When presenting your ideas, aim to pique your audience's interest rather than triggering their fear response. Curiosity opens people up to new ideas, while fear tends to make them cling more tightly to familiar beliefs.
Show respect: Even as you challenge the status quo, demonstrate respect for those who hold different views. This can help build bridges and make others more receptive to your ideas.
By implementing these communication strategies, insubordinates can increase their chances of being heard and effecting change. Remember, the goal isn't to ram your message down people's throats, but to present your ideas in a way that makes others more likely to consider and potentially adopt them.
Managing Discomfort: Staying Resilient in the Face of Adversity
Principled insubordination often comes with significant challenges and discomfort. To illustrate this, Kashdan shares the story of Martha Goddard, who in the 1970s took on the task of reforming how police departments dealt with rape cases.
At the time, the handling of rape cases was appallingly inadequate. Evidence was often contaminated, and survivors were frequently dismissed or further traumatized by the process of reporting the crime. Goddard, herself a survivor of sexual assault, worked tirelessly to develop and implement standardized rape kits for collecting evidence safely and non-invasively.
Her efforts required her to repeatedly confront her own trauma while facing a social environment that was unsympathetic to rape survivors. Terms like "date rape" and "marital rape" didn't exist, and victim-blaming was common. Despite these challenges, Goddard persevered, visiting police precincts and hospitals daily to advocate for the adoption of rape kits.
Goddard's story raises an important question for aspiring insubordinates: How can you manage the discomfort and distress that often come with challenging the status quo? Kashdan offers several strategies:
Cultivate psychological flexibility: This is essentially mental resilience - the ability to bounce back quickly from pain and distress. Instead of trying to avoid or minimize distress, which can actually make it worse, learn to withstand and manage it.
Hunt for meaning: When faced with challenges, remind yourself of your original purpose for rebelling. Ask yourself, "What and who is important to me?" Clarify your mission and its moral basis. This can help you stay grounded and absorb the pain of criticism and setbacks.
Recognize and address unhelpful coping mechanisms: Be aware of how you might be trying to avoid or mask unpleasant feelings resulting from your rebellion. Are you seeking distractions through social media or taking your anger out on others? Recognizing these behaviors is the first step to addressing them.
Practice cognitive defusion: This involves creating mental space between yourself and your thoughts. Treat your mind as if it's separate from you, like an opinion generator. You might say things like, "Thank you, Mind, for being so unhelpful this morning." This can remind you that your thoughts are just thoughts, not the sum total of your reality.
Focus on your values: Regularly remind yourself of your core values and the reasons why you're fighting for change. This can help you stay motivated when things get tough.
Build a support network: Surround yourself with people who understand and support your mission. Having allies can provide emotional support and practical help when you're facing challenges.
Practice self-care: Remember to take care of your physical and mental health. Engage in activities that recharge you and help you maintain balance in your life.
Learn from setbacks: Instead of getting discouraged by failures or setbacks, try to view them as learning opportunities. What can you do differently next time?
Celebrate small victories: Change often happens slowly. Recognize and celebrate small steps forward to help maintain your motivation.
By implementing these strategies, insubordinates can build their resilience and continue their fight for change even when it's uncomfortable or painful. Remember, discomfort is often a sign that you're pushing boundaries and potentially making a real difference.
Winning Responsibly: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Success
Kashdan next explores what happens when insubordinates succeed in their efforts to create change. He uses the example of Evo Morales, the former president of Bolivia, to illustrate both the potential for positive change and the dangers of losing sight of one's original principles.
Morales came from an impoverished background in Bolivia's marginalized Aboriginal community. He campaigned on a platform of poverty reduction, investment in education and healthcare, and rights for Aboriginal peoples. Once elected, he implemented policies that led to significant economic growth, increased salaries, reduced unemployment, and improved literacy rates.
However, Morales's reign also had a dark side. His government quashed dissent, intimidated journalists, and blacklisted opponents. He even attempted to extend his presidency beyond the constitutionally allowed terms. This pattern, unfortunately, isn't unique. Many successful insubordinates end up abandoning their original values once they gain power.
Kashdan explains that this tendency is rooted in the same psychological biases that make it hard for us to rebel in the first place. We tend to favor those who agree with us and struggle to empathize with those who don't. As a result, newly successful insubordinates may persecute the former majority, discount potentially useful ideas from their opponents, and cause needless suffering.
To avoid these pitfalls, Kashdan offers several strategies for insubordinates who find themselves in positions of power:
Stay alert to your own biases: Be aware of your tendency to favor those who agree with you and actively work to counteract it.
Reach out to former adversaries: Try to establish a shared identity with those you previously opposed. This might not be possible on ideological grounds, but you can often find common ground in shared experiences, interests, or circumstances.
Create new inclusive norms and rituals: Look for ways to establish connections between formerly opposing groups.
Regularly revisit your core values: Remind yourself of the principles that motivated your fight for change in the first place. Ask yourself if your actions are consistent with your desired legacy.
Practice ethical leadership: Commit to blocking measures that unfairly treat the minority or give extra privileges to the majority. Strive to maintain a level playing field for all.
Encourage dissent: Create an environment where people feel safe to voice opposing views. This can help prevent groupthink and ensure that you're considering diverse perspectives.
Stay humble: Remember that you don't have all the answers. Be open to learning from others, including those who disagree with you.
Implement checks and balances: Put systems in place to prevent the abuse of power, even by yourself or your allies.
Foster transparency: Be open about your decision-making processes and welcome scrutiny. This can help build trust and prevent corruption.
Plan for succession: Think about how power will be transferred when your time in leadership is over. Ensure that the systems you've put in place can continue without you.
By following these principles, successful insubordinates can avoid the trap of becoming the very thing they once fought against. They can use their newfound power to create lasting positive change while staying true to their original values and goals.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey of Principled Insubordination
As we wrap up our exploration of "The Art of Insubordination," it's clear that challenging the status quo is no easy task. Our natural tendency to conform, coupled with the discomfort and potential backlash that come with dissent, can make it tempting to stay silent and go along with the crowd. However, as Kashdan demonstrates throughout the book, principled insubordination is crucial for societal progress and innovation.
The journey of an insubordinate is ongoing. It requires constant vigilance, self-reflection, and a commitment to one's principles. Whether you're just starting to question established norms or you've already achieved some success in creating change, there's always more to learn and do.
Here are some key takeaways to remember:
Recognize the power of conformity: Understanding our natural tendency to go along with the majority is the first step in overcoming it.
Cultivate diverse perspectives: Encourage and listen to dissenting voices. They often lead to creative solutions and better outcomes.
Communicate effectively: Frame your ideas in a non-threatening way, be consistent in your message, and show respect for those who disagree with you.
Build resilience: Learn to manage the discomfort that comes with challenging the norm. Focus on your values and purpose to stay motivated.
Use power responsibly: If you succeed in your efforts, stay true to your original principles and avoid the pitfalls of unchecked authority.
Keep learning and adapting: The landscape of social change is always evolving. Stay open to new ideas and be willing to adjust your approach as needed.
Celebrate small victories: Change often happens slowly. Recognize and appreciate the small steps forward.
Build alliances: Find like-minded individuals and create support networks. You don't have to go it alone.
Stay humble: Remember that you don't have all the answers. Be open to feedback and willing to admit when you're wrong.
Think long-term: Consider the lasting impact of your actions and strive to create sustainable change.
Principled insubordination isn't about rebellion for its own sake. It's about having the courage to stand up for what's right, even when it's difficult or unpopular. It's about pushing society forward, challenging outdated ideas, and creating a better world for everyone.
As you move forward in your own journey of insubordination, remember that every act of principled dissent, no matter how small, has the potential to create ripples of change. Like Elizabeth Jennings standing up against racial discrimination on public transport, or Martha Goddard fighting for better treatment of rape survivors, your actions can make a difference.
The path of an insubordinate isn't always easy or comfortable. You may face criticism, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But by staying true to your principles, communicating effectively, and managing the challenges that come your way, you can be a force for positive change in your community and beyond.
So, the next time you see something that doesn't seem right, or you have an idea that goes against the grain, don't be afraid to speak up. Challenge the status quo. Question established norms. And remember, in the words of anthropologist Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
The art of insubordination is a powerful tool for creating a better world. Use it wisely, use it bravely, and never underestimate the impact you can have. The world needs principled insubordinates now more than ever. Are you ready to answer the call?