Image Credit: Shutterstock

Disruptive is an interesting word. On the one hand, it means to cause disorder, chaos, problems, and trouble. On the other hand, it is defined as “innovative and groundbreaking.” These are polar-opposite definitions of the same word.

Being disruptive is a necessary hallmark of leadership. Leaders don’t just follow the crowd; they lead it. They challenge status quo, seeking out-of-the-box solutions to issues. They don’t just wait for ideas and initiatives; they envision and create them. And sometimes this can feel chaotic and disorderly to a team that is working through the leader’s previous ideas and initiatives.

How can you be a disruptive leader without disrupting your team?

1. Communicate Vision

If you clearly communicate vision to your team, they will be able to understand why you do certain things or why you “change horses mid-stream.” They will be able to see that the change will still lead to the vision, and in a better way.

2. Communicate Goals and Plans

If your employees are just doing what you tell them to do, you are missing a wealth of experience, wisdom, skills, and strengths. Communicate goals with them. Get their input. And then develop a plan for each that ties to the corporate goals. This gives employees a sense of purpose and mission. Think about it. Would you rather be the person who, all day long, installs the same car part over and over – or the person who builds quality cars that safely carry families to their destinations? Tie an employee’s work to the bigger goals and vision.

3. Communicate Disruptive Leadership

Encourage your team to practice disruptive leadership as well – to challenge status quo and share innovative ideas. Some of the greatest inventions and features of products and services through the years have come from a disruptive employee who raised his or her hand and suggested there might be a better way.

Are you a disruptive leader? Are you team members disruptive leaders?

—

For more resources on how you can create a disruptive team that gets results, click here to learn about the Maxwell Method of Communication Impact Report.

As the CEO of Strength Leader Development, Deb Ingino is a highly sought-after international executive mentor, coach, trainer and speaker. Deb is well versed in global business operations and helps business leaders and their teams to discover and leverage their strengths, so they can create highly collaborative teams that deliver great results. With a refreshingly direct style, Deb helps leaders and their teams to deliver profitable results. Connect with Deb to learn more about her mentorship and coaching programs to equip you with advanced strategies to elevate your results.

When you have a strong team that collaborates well,
you have a competitive advantage.

Click here to get instant access to the complimentary FREE e-book!