Disruption and Innovation

I’ve recently written several blogs about disruption and innovation (here and here).  I’d like to now relate the two.

Disruption in Business

The new business reality is that customers want things done faster, better, quicker, and with less effort.

Disruptive innovation that uncovers how things get done faster, better, quicker, and with less effort is how small companies with minimal resources can enter a market and meet those customer needs.

Therefore, most true disruptors aren’t setting out just to be disruptors; they are businesses striving to meet the demands and expectations of their customers.

Just like most other business owners, they’re trying to provide a product or service that adds real value for their customers. The best businesses who are the best disruptors are those who are continually innovating.

They find meaning in their innovation that leads to disruption.

Their business strategy is revealed as disruptive only over time as they make their mark, often permanently by changing an entire industry. They never really focus on the question “What is a disruption definition?” because they don’t care. Their priority is in making a difference.

But because disruptive innovation has become synonymous with progress – and everyone likes progress – many companies attempt to style themselves as “disruptive” right from the get-go.

But here’s the secret: not every successful business or product needs to disrupt.   Uber and Southwest Airlines, two famously successful companies, were not disruptors, they expanded the market such that there were more users in the end.

Innovation – Business Success

Most entrepreneurs are naturally innovative, and most innovators have dreams of changing the world. This is one of the reasons why business disruption is so appealing.  But being an entrepreneur is not synonymous with disruption, the goal is to be successful, to grow, and to be profitable.

Unfortunately, many business owners confuse being disruptive with growth.  This is a mistake; their focus is trained outside of their core business.

To be both innovative and disruptive, remember:

• Disruptive innovation requires keeping in touch with technological advances in your industry so you can stay one step ahead.
• You want to disrupt instead of being disrupted, so keep a pulse on your competition.
• Don’t be afraid to disrupt your own brand.

The Bible

Many great CEOs are also great disruptors. However, Jesus was the most significant disruptor of all time.

Here are four disruptive disciplines that Jesus practiced.

1. Jesus practiced the disruptive discipline of challenging the status quo. Jesus knew that there was a better way.
2. Jesus practiced the disruptive discipline of calling rookies (disciples) to help lead His efforts. He was able to see in these rookies what outsiders cannot see.
3. Jesus practiced the disruptive discipline of creating new models. Disruption is about finding a new and better way.
4. Jesus practiced the disruptive discipline of committing to new beliefs. Disruption does not happen without risk and total commitment.

Jesus wants to be the disruptor of our lives so that He can create whole new lives in us.

Follow His practices in your business, and you will see success.