Leading Disruptive Innovation

In today’s complex world, having a disruptive innovation capability is mandatory, both for growing a business and protecting existing markets. Though disruptive innovation transforms and creates markets, many of today’s executives rise through the ranks of management, where predictability is valued, and therefore lack the ability to lead disruptive innovation. This article highlights the key dynamics involved in leading disruptive innovation and proposes a five-phase model (with the acronym LEAPS) that provides the structure for understanding the ways that leaders create clarity during times of uncertainty. L – Listen: Start with yourself, not the market; be instinctual. E – Explore: Go outside to stretch the middle; appreciate ambiguity and push personal boundaries. A – Act: Take small, simple steps repeatedly; embrace continuous adaptation. P – Persist: Take the surprise out of failure; accept setbacks as a normal part of leading disruptive innovation. S – Seize: Make the journey part of the destination; the firm’s focus may change over time and luck may play a role.