The Art of Leading Through Disruption

As a leader, your ability to create change isn’t just a responsibility—it’s an art, much like hiking up a mountain. I’ve spent some time on mountain trails, and one thing is clear: while reaching the summit is great, how you get there matters just as much. Leadership is similar. You see the potential in your team, like spotting the peak in the distance. But knowing the path and guiding others along it are two different things.

It’s tempting to push people toward what you know they can achieve, but just like you wouldn’t rush a fellow hiker up a steep trail, you can’t force your team into new challenges without care. Disruptions need to be handled thoughtfully. Leadership is about guiding them through the rough patches, celebrating small wins, and helping them keep moving forward—step by step.

When you lead through change, you’ll get a range of reactions. Some will be excited and eager to push ahead, while others will hold back, sticking to what they know. It’s easy to think you need to turn every hesitant person into a cheerleader for change, but real leadership means meeting people where they are.

Think of it like tending a garden. You can’t force a plant to grow by pulling on it. Instead, you nurture it, give it what it needs, and let it grow at its own pace. The same goes for your team. Your role is to create the right conditions for growth and guide them with care and understanding.

Take One Step Forward

Being a positive disruptor means helping people take one step forward, even small ones. Maybe that means moving someone from resistance to openness or from being on the fence to taking action. It’s not about forcing change overnight—it’s about helping each person move forward in their own time.

In the end, leadership isn’t about pushing people to the top. It’s about guiding them through disruptions with empathy and support. When you lead this way, your team will be more prepared for the next challenge, ready to tackle whatever comes their way.

Bring Disruptive Lessons to Your People

For the past two years, I’ve led The Disruption Project at Vanderbilt University, where I’ve had the privilege of interviewing hundreds of people from around the world—from household names to unsung heroes—to learn their stories of disruption. We’ve explored their challenges, choices, behaviors, and results.

I’ve packaged these findings into a compelling presentation designed to inspire you and your team to tackle your next mountain. Contact Canesha Appleton or Michele Lucia to learn more and schedule a session.

Make it a great day!

Patrick

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