Disrupting the Status Quo

Change is a daunting thing – it is disruptive in its very nature. The inability to embrace change inevitably leads to stagnation, or worse, failure. COVID-19 has demanded a shift in operations for many businesses. Companies faced very dynamic changes, in a very short space of time.

Recently we saw a number of major brands spiral into decline as a result of sluggish adaptation. There can be no greater corporate regret than that of Blockbuster’s refusal to buy out Netflix for $50 million. Blockbuster is now bankrupt, while Netflix is worth over $100 billion.

Visionaries like Steve Jobs rose to the occasion and disrupted the smartphone market with innovation, stimulating the evolution of the industry. 

As leaders, we must have a keen vision for the future of our organisation. To grow, we must be prepared to cast out in changing tides.

Here at Digicel, we encourage an innovative mindset. Innovation, disruption and challenging the status quo is seen as a catalyst of change bringing forth new ideas, rather than a disturbance of the existing process. We have created an environment where employees are free to bring new ideas to the table, stimulating a very agile culture in the organisation.

Sparring sessions and team empowerment are my favourite tools to keep challenging the status quo and the disruptive culture at Digicel T&T. I will write more about sparring sessions in one of my upcoming posts. Meanwhile, please feel free to comment on which methods worked best for you to promote innovation in your teams.