It’s Logical
“Disruption is not just about technology changing; it is about changing the logic of a business” – Stanford Professor William Barnett
As companies try to adapt to the new environment, there will definitely be winners and losers. While it is impossible to predict which businesses will emerge stronger, the research indicates there are certain characteristics that will need to come into play.
Right now, there needs to be a healthy balance between sustainability, adaptability and disruption. With so much focus on disruption there is a fear that ‘plain and simple’ business practice has been pushed aside.
It is understandable that now is the time for disruption, but those that are willing to take on the challenge need to be aware, agile and resilient. The thing about disruption is that there are ripple effects impacting things that weren’t visible before.
Disruption can be very challenging because it isn’t linear. If only it was straightforward and methodical….and worked like magic!
Not only is disruption complicated, it is multilayered. Disruption works best for those organisations who are willing to look at the bigger picture and use logic to make significant changes. This includes causing disruption by transforming existing markets and creating new opportunities for a business to survive and thrive.
Smart disruption means disrupting AND sustaining people, processes and technology as they innovate to create new value now to setup for success in the future. Exceptional organisations embrace constant change and adapt to the complexities of uncertainty.
For me, as a leader of disruption, I find these challenges refreshing. It allows us to work with organisations that are eager to adapt, develop and re-energise their business. It is necessary to ‘connect the dots’ of the existing values, priorities and outcomes with the new transformational processes and strategic models. Regardless of the uncertainties, it is important to identify alignment of the new potential outcomes with the old prescription.
Transformation alignment also needs to be achieved with KPI’s metrics and goals.
What’s involved with smart disruption?
Coaching and communication
Consistent support and feedback
Creative strategic modelling
Prudent risk management
Simplifying complex processes
Disruptive transformation leadership needs to quantify the change for those it will effect. A change agent should have a clear understanding of the goals the business is trying to achieve and be aware of both internal and external resistance. It is a must that any resistance is managed effectively.
Early and consistent communication will help alleviate potential challengers and will be the connection to drive your organisational strategic understanding. Establish feedback loops and communication protocols to create unification, diversity and inclusion.
It is essential to identify the risks of disruption and organisational transformation including the risks of sustainability without change. This can include short, medium and long term scenario planning, analytics and customer segment research. The one thing to keep in mind, is to avoid complicating the process. The simpler and more coherent the disruption, the higher the adoption rate, sustainability and success.
With logical planning and the right people and systems in place, smart disruption with successful organisational transformation is absolutely achievable.
Now more than ever it is time to think outside the box.
Are you poised to power through disruption?
