Napoleon Bonaparte was a military leader who didn't follow the traditional rules and norms, which led him to achieve great success on the battlefield. As a young officer, he would take personal risks to motivate his soldiers, even going as far as manning dangerous artillery positions himself. He also chose to mingle with his troops as an equal, a stark contrast to the behavior of traditional aristocratic generals.

Bonaparte brought new strategies to the table, such as the corps system. This system allowed his armies to move and fight with a speed and flexibility that was unheard of at the time. While he did study past generals, he adapted their ideas in innovative ways. His brilliance led to the overthrow of the outdated tactics used by other European armies, paving the way for modern warfare.

However, it's important to note that not all rule breaking leads to positive outcomes. For example, unethical actions like those committed at Wells Fargo and by Bernie Madoff also involved breaking norms. The key difference lies in the motives behind these actions. Rebels like Bonaparte break rules in pursuit of higher goals that ultimately benefit society.

Studies have shown that nonconformists are often admired. For instance, shoppers perceived a woman dressed in gym clothes as having a higher status than a woman dressed in furs, simply because she defied expectations. Similarly, students respected a professor more when he wore sneakers to class. This shows that breaking rules can be seen as a display of autonomy and confidence.

However, the context is crucial. Respect is earned through thoughtful rebellion, not just any violation of norms. Moreover, rebels need to use the influence they gain responsibly to avoid abusing their power.

Take Michelin-starred chef Massimo Bottura as an example. At his restaurant, he doesn't adhere to rigid roles and can be seen sweeping the street and unloading deliveries alongside his team. His disregard for traditional roles motivates his staff to go beyond their ordinary limits. When directed properly, the power of a rebel can unlock creativity and potential.