Leading Disruptively (And Why You Should)

Did you start the day hoping that before it was over you’d be disrupted?

You won’t find many people who want to be disrupted. Disruption is unsettling at best and unpleasant at worst. It forces change and requires additional effort.

But what about leadership? Is it good to be a disruptive leader?

I believe it is both good and necessary. The best leaders are always disruptive and it serves the organization well when it is done correctly.

Why?

Disruptive leaders unsettle the complacent, challenge mediocrity, drive innovation and keep people and companies growing. They challenge the status quo, both in themselves and those they lead.

That’s because they know that if they don’t do the disrupting, someone or something else will, like disruptive competitors, regulators, technologies or start ups.

As a leader, what should you disrupt?

In individuals on your team consider disrupting:

  • Ill-informed opinions and beliefs.
  • Comfort leading to complacency.
  • Disrespect for others.
  • Outdated work habits.
  • An unwillingness to change.
  • Resistance to learning.
  • Inefficiency.
  • Incorrect focus.
  • Entitlement.

In your organization, here is a start list for what needs disrupting:

  • The products, services and experience you provide.
  • Masterful operations.
  • Your value proposition.
  • Underperforming vendors.
  • Any and all unethical practices.
  • Outdated technology.
  • Wasteful spending.
  • Unacceptable service levels.
  • Ridiculous rules, policies and procedures.

Disruption almost always begins with the leader. What on your team or in your organization most needs to be disrupted this week?

Meet The Author, Mark Sanborn

Mark Sanborn is an inspirational leadership keynote speaker and international bestselling author topping top book lists around the world such as the New York Times, Businessweek and The Wall Street Journal.

Mark holds the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) from the National Speakers Association that is only held by about 12 percent of the 5,000 + professional registered speakers worldwide. He’s also a member of the Speaker Hall of Fame (CPAE), past president of the National Speakers Association [NSA] and winner of The Cavett, the highest honor bestowed by that organization. 

He delivers more than 40 keynotes worldwide each year to clients that include: SAP, GM, Costco, ReMax, Bosch, Double Tree, Chick-fil-A, Microsoft, John Deere, AT&T, Cisco, Harley Davidson, American Express, Bank of America, Union Pacific, Toyota and dozens and dozens more.

Learn more about working with Mark Sanborn at https://www.marksanborn.com.