Embrace your inner punk: How to revolutionise leadership and empower teams

The concept of a ‘punk in a suit’ is more than just a catchy phrase; it's a call to action for leaders to embrace individuality, originality and social justice within the corporate world. Drawing inspiration from the rebellious spirit of punk, author and founder Blaire Palmer urges us to tap into our inner rebels, challenging the status quo and fostering a culture of authenticity and belonging. But how do we translate this ethos into actionable steps that drive meaningful change in our organisations?

In the latest video in The People Space’s Forward Thinkers series Palmer recommends four actions:

Reflect on your legacy

Palmer challenges us to look ahead to the day we hand in our laptops for the last time. She asks "If you come face to face with yourself in that moment, how do you want to feel?" This reflection isn't just a philosophical exercise; it's a motivator to be braver and more outspoken in our professional lives. Many of us, including Palmer herself, recognise that we could have been bolder in our actions and words. By envisioning the legacy we want to leave we can start making changes today that align with that future vision.

Address tensions head-on

Organisational issues often manifest as surface-level problems but Palmer encourages us to dig deeper. Instead of simply managing symptoms like reluctance to return to the office or challenges in recruitment, we need to understand the underlying tensions. This involves engaging others in the process and asking "What do you think is going on?" By addressing the root causes we can create more sustainable and effective solutions.

Empower decision-making

One of the key shifts Palmer advocates is pushing decision-making away from the top and empowering team members to make their own decisions. This involves resisting the urge to provide solutions, even when asked directly. As Palmer explains: "You say yes, I could tell you what I would do, but I'm not going to. You're the one that has to live with the decision." By refusing to make decisions for others leaders can foster a culture of accountability and growth, encouraging team members to develop their problem-solving skills and confidence.

Embrace the discomfort

This approach isn't without its challenges. Both leaders and team members may feel uncomfortable with the shift in responsibility. However, Palmer emphasises the importance of sitting with this discomfort. When team members express uncertainty leaders must resist the urge to step in and instead support them in finding their own solutions. This process of pushing decisions down the hierarchy and sitting with the resulting discomfort is crucial for developing a more autonomous and capable workforce.

Palmer's insights remind us that being a ‘punk in a suit’ isn't about adopting a specific look or attitude but about embodying the values of individuality, originality and courage. By reflecting on our desired legacy, addressing organisational tensions and empowering decision-making, we can create a more dynamic and authentic workplace. As Palmer puts it: "We've never been able to ask people to do that before because we've been too busy just keeping on top of the day to day." 

Now, with the rise of AI and automation we have the opportunity to redefine what it means to be human in the workplace and to focus on the tasks that truly require our unique abilities.

For a deeper dive into Palmer’s insights and more practical actions listen to the podcast episode From Cog in Machine to Human at Work: Why Victorian Beliefs are Holding Us Back with Blaire Palmer

About Blaire Palmer

Blaire Palmer is a former BBC journalist turned organisational culture and leadership specialist. She has worked with numerous organisations over the past 24 years, helping them drive real change and create environments where people can do their best work. Blaire is the author of Punks in Suits and speaks internationally on rethinking leadership for the modern era.