Five Ways to Lead Through Disruption

In a world of shifting economic landscapes, we must learn to lead through disruption. The number one threat to the corporate bottom line is seen as fluctuations in revenue based on disruptive technologies.

The only way to combat revenue disruption is proper leadership and innovation. Everyone knows the value of looking beyond the horizon and innovating, but a select few leaders are able to execute on that vision.

Leaders who can connect what may seem unrelated, integrate technology into today's business structures, and lead people through disruption by improving decision-making processes are the ones making gains during times of difficulty. Knowing how to change and improve business is what separates great leaders from the rest.

In this article we look at the 5 things leaders are doing to successfully lead and navigate through disruption.

Mobilise Purpose to Lead Change

Purpose is what motivates and inspires us to action. It's what makes us feel special. It's why we get up in the morning. Leaders can use their understanding of purpose to inspire others to change, but it's not just about leaders. It's about everyone in the organisation - from the top down and bottom up. When people understand their purpose, they become more engaged in their work. Leadership is a vital component to the success of any organisation. It's what sets apart the good from the great. Yet many leaders are ill-prepared for the challenges they face today.

The difficulties of leading through disruption are not new for business leaders. However, these challenges are becoming more acute as organisations face an increasingly competitive environment and a growing need to transform their operations to meet customer expectations and remain relevant in a digital economy. Leaders must adapt their skill sets and change their mindset in order to lead through disruption — a phenomenon that will only continue to grow as technology advances.

Define Your Purpose and Set Clear Goals

When it comes to putting together a strategy for leading through disruption, the first thing you need to do is define your purpose. Purpose is the reason you exist as an organisation and it drives your actions towards the desired outcome.

What is the outcome you want to achieve? What problem are you trying to solve? What purpose would make you feel satisfied with what you do?

Once you have defined your purpose, then you can start thinking about how you can use disruptive technologies to achieve that purpose.

When I say disruptive technology, I don’t mean just all the technological innovations that are happening around us – although those are important – but also the way people use technology, which has changed significantly over time due to the evolution of mobile devices and social media platforms.

Purpose-led Communications

In an era of digital disruption, there is no time for complacency. As a leader, you need to find ways to inspire your workforce and keep them engaged. One way to do this is through purpose-led communication.

Purpose-led communication is the ability to inspire employees by communicating the company's mission, vision and values. It's about more than just the product or service you provide; it's about what you stand for and how you want to change people's lives.

Encourage Innovation and Foster an Environment Where Mistakes are Okay

It's important for leaders to be comfortable making mistakes and failing so their teams feel like they can do the same without fear of punishment or shame. This is especially important if you're leading through a time of disruption because it's likely there will be mistakes made along the way.

If you don't foster this kind of culture, employees will be less likely to take risks or try new things because they don't want to mess up or get in trouble for failing at something that didn't work out as planned.

Focus Employees on Key Priorities

Leaders have a responsibility to keep their employees focused on key priorities. This means ensuring the right people are working on the right things. Don't let people run around looking for answers — give them clear direction and then let them execute.

Leaders must also understand what motivates their teams and then use that knowledge to motivate them. For example, if you know that your team needs recognition, then use your strategic communication to recognise them when they do well. If you know that employees are motivated by appreciation and positive feedback, then give it to them.

If you want people to be more innovative and creative, then encourage open communication and collaboration among teams. Actively facilitate avenues for them to suggest new ideas and give them the freedom to try them out.

The key is not just knowing what motivates people; it's also about knowing how best to communicate with each of your employees in order to engage them in their work.

Need help hiring leadership talent that can steady the ship?

Marlin Human Capital can help you find the leadership talent to help you navigate periods of disruption and change, helping your organisations and its people reach their full potential.

Get in touch with us today.