Disruptive leadership - it's all about the teeth and pants!
I knew that would get your attention and if you've listened to the latest episode of How To Take The Lead, you'll get the references. This week it's all about disruption.
I have been reflecting on the conversation Lee and I had about disruptive leadership on the podcast. We were very clear that being a disruptor is about being troublesome, or labelled as a trouble maker, but about creating opportunities for improvement and innovation, challenging the status quo and looking for ways to make positive change.
Not long after recording this episode we attended the Chanel exhibition at the V&A and it was inspiring to revisit Gabrielle Chanel’s story and the impact she has had on fashion. She changed the way women dressed, challenged the status quo with male designers, made a career comeback doing just that and leaving an iconic creative legacy. We agreed she was a disruptor.
Having said that, this creative fashion and business disruption didn’t come without controversy linked to her personal life. So does controversy or perceived trouble come with the territory of disruption?
For me, I think all great disruptors are open to the fact that there will be parts of their approach, leadership and even life that others might not like but they are prepared for this to be out there in order to create positive change, achieve their purpose and improve things for the better.
Successful disruptors have a strong sense of purpose, desire to create meaningful change and go into this with their eyes open. Unsuccessful disruptors operate in this space to challenge for challenges sake without that clarity or genuine desire to make positive change. It’s these disruptors that can be dangerous, causing controversy for the sake of it and not caring about any sort of collateral damage.
To be a successful disruptor, you need to know how to take people on the journey with, recognise that not everyone will be ready for change and also give things the opportunity to embed before rushing on to the next thing.
So what about those leaders who are feeling anxious about disruption or who want to step up into this space but know it’s outside of their comfort zone? There are ways to take small steps to get comfy with the uncomfy and to challenge your own thinking about disruption.
Lee mentioned brushing your teeth with the toothbrush in the opposite hand to usual - try this out and notice how it makes you feel. It may sound silly but it’s a brilliant way to take a small step forward. Let me know how you got on if you tried it. And if you want to know more about the pants reference you’ll need to listen to the episode!
Enjoy the listen…Carrie-Ann xx
If you’re a paid subscriber read on for…
Top tips on how you can start to shift to a more disruptive mindset
further listening recommendations
your chance to comment and share your thoughts on the topic.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to How to Take the Lead to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.