THE DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION BUZZWORD IS OVERUSED AND MISUSED

Disruptive innovation nowadays is not an extraordinary technology or scientific discovery. Everything in technology these days seems to be labeled as “disruptive”. Organizations need to adapt and embrace change as lack of innovation is a certain death.

Companies can’t continue to hide under a rock if they are to stay competitive. Any change to the way we do things is “disruptive” in nature as we need to adjust to the new approach. Individuals and organizations that are uncomfortable challenging the status quo feel specially threaten by this concept.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT) are not new. What is new, is the need for organizations that have operated successfully/profitably in a Jurassic era to get up to speed in a hurry. The level of disruption is directly related to the amount of change that is required to get the prehistoric organization up to speed.

Companies negatively impacted by the lack of innovation, are typically motivated to a think outside the box. Inevitably, once the leadership team experiences the proverbial “aha moment” and understands that profits are intimately linked with how data is used and how the use of technology can streamline processes and reduce errors/costs, all bets are off.

Forget about Change Management and buy-in, put on your helmet and buckle up because you are going to go on a hell of a ride. Not many cultures can survive this level of disruption as companies expect their human capital to advance from crawling to sprinting in no time.

Innovation can be disruptive in a constructive or destructive way. For me, there is nothing more disruptive than attending endless meetings, workshops, brainstorming sessions to TALK about fixing a problem. I would much rather be skinned alive, as a matter of fact, after the 3rd procrastination session I often fantasize with ways to end my misery.

Poorly executed IT Roadmaps can lead to destructive disruption. In the service industry, disruption is a bad word, as disruption could mean bankruptcy (SaaS, utilities, banking, etc.) therefore my goal and that of my company is to be the least disruptive as possible. Does this means that we will not be next Unicorn? Oh no…..

How about if we stop talking about disruptive innovation and we commit to changing processes and technologies in a way that would benefit the people? If you want something disruptive, consider the following:

• Talk less and do more

• Create a transparent, competitive, fair environment where ALL (everyone/everywhere) benefits vs. some. It seems the rich keeps getting richer and the poor keeps getting poorer. Technology can be the catalyst for growth and equality in the world