Why disruptive thinking is key to business success in the 21st century?

I'm happy to share with you thought-provoking ideas, tips, research, and trends that you may find useful in your personal, professional, and future lives; they are in a way related to innovation, human development, organizational development and disruption.

Greetings and reflect on today to build the future!

Have you heard about disruptive thinking? Its the first time? How much do you know about disruptive thinking? Is it really important to become a disruptive thinker? I'm a disruptive thinker and I didn't know it? Can I become a disruptive thinker? Why disruptive thinking is key to business success in the 21st century?

If these questions really make you curious, you should read this article, which I will share with you here with some details of my research.

Let's start with What is disruptive thinking?

Disruptive thinking refers to an approach that breaks with preconceived ideas by questioning the status quo to find innovative solutions that break existing norms.

Disruptive thinking often involves an open and curious mindset, and a willingness to explore new ideas, take risks, and experiment with different approaches. People who embrace disruptive thinking are often willing to face uncertainty and ambiguity, and can see difficulties and problems as opportunities to learn and grow.

So what is a disruptive thinker?

A disruptive thinker is a person who has the ability to analyze and process information in an unconventional and original way, using their intuition, perspective and emotional awareness to generate new ideas, solutions and perspectives that break with traditional and established models. A disruptive thinker is capable of going beyond the limits of reason and making risky but correct decisions, based on their previous knowledge, their intuition and their ability to associate information. Also, a disruptive thinker has a high degree of emotional awareness, which allows them to manage their emotions effectively and use them as a tool for their creativity and critical thinking.

What are the cognitive processes of a disruptive thinker like?

Disruptive thinkers have the most acute senses, they are constantly capturing a greater amount of data than the average person, this allows them to be able to associate a greater amount of data at a faster rate, constantly generating new information and perspectives to different hypotheses.

The sharpening of the senses is an important factor for disruptive thinkers, since it allows them to perceive the world around them in a more detailed way and capture more information. This gives them the ability to spot patterns and connections that others may miss, allowing them to generate new ideas and innovative solutions.

This ability to perceive and process information more quickly also allows them to be more agile in their thinking and make more informed decisions. Disruptive thinkers are often characterized by their ability to act quickly and adapt to changing situations.

They also have the ability to have greater attention and active awareness, therefore, their high degree of maintaining data in their long-term memory. We can say that disruptive thinkers usually have a higher than average attention span and concentration, which allows them to stay focused on a task for long periods of time. Additionally, practicing mindfulness can help you improve your attention span and reduce mental distraction, which in turn can boost your creativity and ability to generate disruptive ideas.

How does the decision making of a disruptive thinker differ from the average manager?

Today we know from the Harvard Business Review that 75% of products and services that have been launched on the market in the last decades fail within the second year.

In a hyper-connected and hyper-informed world, top managers and middle managers often make decisions based on similar processes because they share identical perspectives, causing organizations to compete in similar ways. This is called by many academics decision making based on calculated risk. I call it core innovation.

Core innovation is the wolf in innovation disguised. In the end it will eat you.

Let's understand that:

Senior management and middle management decision-making should be based on reason, that is, analytical, critical and data-based thinking. However, that is not how the human brain works.

What they call calculated risk, I call core innovation, disruptive thinkers, for example, do not take calculated risks. They go further, they cross the line of calculated risks called the border. I explain it to you like this. For the calculated risks, the mean of people we use the ratio, where the limits of the ratio are as far as my prior knowledge exists at 70% and I don't know the other 30%. We call this 30% the calculated risk. However, the disruptive thinker makes decisions in areas where he only knows 50% of the information (prior knowledge) and the other 50% does not know it, this is possible because he makes use of intuition and association of polarized information and others.

According to my research, the average person in this area, where 50% do not know, their decision-making based on reason disappears and becomes decision-making based on emotion. This is where it generates insecurity. The sympathetic nervous system is activated, and this in turn activates epinephrine and norepinephrine, preparing your system to flee. In addition, you secrete a high dose of cortisol in the brain, losing the ability to learn and make decisions.

But why can the disruptive thinker cross the border and make decisions in areas of uncertainty?

This ability to make decisions in areas of uncertainty is what allows disruptive thinkers to explore new territory and find innovative solutions.

First, this is possible because we can say that disruptive thinkers have a better handle on emotional intelligence. He has what we call emotional awareness.

Disruptive thinkers have greater emotional awareness, which allows them to understand and manage their emotions effectively. In addition, they are also capable of understanding the emotions of others, which allows them to establish stronger and more effective interpersonal relationships. This ability is crucial for disruptive decision making, as it allows them to be more empathetic and better understand the needs of customers and the market in general.

As for emotion, it is true that it can be an obstacle in decision-making in areas of uncertainty. However, disruptive thinkers can learn to manage their emotions and use them as a source of inspiration and motivation instead of allowing emotions to control them.

Second, security and accountability play an important role. Disruptive thinkers have skills such as intuition and association, having the ability to associate information that is highly polarized. They can make connections that others may not see and find new perspectives on seemingly intractable problems.

Any decision based on controlled risk ends up failing over time because they are based on similar processes and share identical perspectives, causing organizations to compete in a similar way.

What are the most developed skills of the disruptive thinker?

The most developed skills of a disruptive thinker usually include:

1. Creativity: Disruptive thinkers have an exceptional ability to think outside the box and generate new ideas. These ideas are often radical and challenging the status quo.
2. Strategic vision: Disruptive thinkers have the ability to see the big picture and understand how the individual pieces fit into it. This allows them to identify opportunities for change and innovation.
3. Curiosity: Disruptive thinkers are curious and passionate about learning and discovering new things. This allows them to discover connections and patterns that others don't see.
4. Critical Thinking: Disruptive thinkers challenge established assumptions and dogmas, and are willing to challenge norms and boundaries. They are also able to critically assess existing ideas and concepts and determine whether or not they are relevant.
5. Risk Tolerance: Disruptive thinkers are innovative and willing to take risks and experiment with new ideas. They are not afraid of failing and see mistakes as learning opportunities.
6. Collaboration: Disruptive thinkers often work in teams and value diversity of opinions and perspectives. They are able to communicate their ideas effectively and collaborate with others to carry out their vision.
7. Association: For me it is the most important ability of a disruptive thinker, because it allows, like AI, to associate a large amount of polarized data to create new information.
8. Questioning: The disruptive thinker makes use of constant questioning, developing a greater degree of decoding of things.
9. Communication: Disruptive thinkers have highly developed communication, which allows them to effectively share and sell their ideas to others. They are able to clearly articulate their ideas and convince others of their value and relevance.

Disruptive thinkers have the ability to see connections between seemingly unrelated ideas and use this information to generate innovative solutions to complex problems.

The ability to associate is important because it helps disruptive thinkers combine ideas and concepts from different disciplines, fields, or industries to create new solutions. By associating polarized information and data, disruptive thinkers can develop new perspectives and approaches that would not have been possible otherwise.

Did you know that the biggest companies like Lego, Apple, Netflix, were in crisis like Blockbuster, Kodak, Blackberry and others; however, were the ones that survived thanks to having a disruptive thinker in senior management?

Many of the most successful companies, such as LEGO, Apple and Netflix, have gone through moments of crisis and have managed to overcome them thanks to having disruptive thinkers in senior management. There are several reasons why this may have been the case:

Disruptive thinking can generate innovative and creative solutions to problems. When a business is in crisis, radically different solutions are often needed to address the challenges it faces. Disruptive thinkers have the ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions that others have not considered.

Disruptive thinkers can challenge established norms and paradigms. When a business is in crisis, it may be necessary to challenge traditional ways of doing things and explore new ways of operating. Disruptive thinkers can challenge existing assumptions and propose new ways of doing business.

Disruptive thinkers can foster innovation in the company. By having disruptive thinkers, companies can foster a culture of innovation and creativity in their organization. This can help the company to quickly adapt to market changes and integrate their teams and the entire organization to stay relevant in an ever-evolving business environment.

Why is a disruptive thinker important in senior management?

Having a disruptive thinker in the top management of an organization can be important for several reasons:

1. It can help the company to identify and take advantage of innovative opportunities in the market. Disruptive thinkers have the ability to anticipate and identify emerging patterns and trends in the marketplace and come up with creative solutions to take advantage of these opportunities.
2. It can help the company to address problems and challenges in innovative ways. Disruptive thinkers can challenge established norms and paradigms in the company and propose radical solutions that others have not considered.
3. It can foster a culture of innovation and creativity in the organization. By having a disruptive thinker in senior management, the company can foster a culture of innovation and creativity efficiently throughout the organization, which can help it stay relevant and competitive in an ever-evolving business environment. Most organizations in the last decade are still looking to create a culture of innovation and are still unable to implement it efficiently.
4. It can help the company to quickly adapt to changes in the market. Disruptive thinkers have the ability to think agilely and quickly but differently, allowing them to quickly adapt to market changes and make informed strategic decisions very effectively.

Why is a disruptive thinker important for 21st century organizations?

For a future that will be increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence and robotics. Disruptive thinkers are important because they can challenge existing paradigms and think outside the box to develop innovative solutions. They know how to quickly adapt to changes and respond effectively to unpredictable situations.

In an increasingly automated future, the ability to think creatively and develop innovative solutions will be invaluable.

Disruptive thinkers will enable organizations to lead markets driven by innovation and change, as they can challenge existing paradigms and find greater adaptation with new technology.

Disruptive thinkers can be extremely valuable to organizations of the future by:

1. Innovation: Disruptive thinkers can help organizations innovate and develop creative new solutions that allow them to stay ahead in a constantly evolving environment. They can challenge existing paradigms and think outside the box to find innovative solutions that competitors have not considered.
2. Adaptability: Disruptive thinkers can help organizations become more adaptable and flexible as they face continuous and rapid changes in the business environment. They can help organizations change direction quickly and respond to unpredictable situations effectively.
3. Problem Solving: Disruptive thinkers are adept at finding solutions to difficult and complex problems. They can analyze the situation from multiple perspectives and consider solutions that may not have been previously considered.
4. Creativity: Disruptive thinkers are highly creative and can help organizations develop solutions and strategies that are new and exciting. They can help organizations to be more innovative and differentiate themselves from competitors.

What should I do to be a disruptive thinker?

Let's understand first, how are emotions in disruptive thinkers?

Disruptive thinkers can have different emotional profiles, since each person is unique. However, it has been observed that many disruptive thinkers tend to be passionate, persevering and energetic, which can be a source of motivation and enthusiasm for them.

In addition, disruptive thinkers often have an open mind and high intellectual curiosity, which allows them to explore new ideas and perspectives without fear of failure. This open mindset can also help them better manage stress and pressure, as they are willing to accept changes and uncertainties as part of the innovation process.

On the other hand, disruptive thinkers may be more tolerant of frustration and failure, which can lead to low emotional stress.

How does the brain of a disruptive thinker work?

Disruptive thinkers often have great powers of observation and introspection. They are able to see problems from different perspectives and can challenge conventional assumptions. This requires a high degree of cognitive flexibility and the ability to change mindsets as needed.

The brain of a disruptive thinker is wired in unique and complex ways. There are several theories about how the mind of a disruptive thinker works, but one useful way to understand how your brain wires up is through neural network theory.

Disruptive thinkers can use various parts of the brain in a more active and coordinated way than the average human, and this can vary depending on the type of task they are performing. However, there are some areas of the brain that have been linked to disruptive thinking:

• The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPCF), which is involved in planning, decision-making, and cognitive control.
• The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC), which is involved in emotional decision making and reward evaluation.
• The medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), which is involved in imagination, creativity, and empathy.
• The insula, which is involved in emotional awareness and interoception (the ability to perceive sensations within the body).
• The temporal cortex: This area of the brain is involved in memory, visual and auditory perception, and creativity, making it important for the generation of new ideas.
• The Limbic System: This area of the brain is involved in emotions and motivation, which can play a role in motivating you to seek unconventional solutions and think outside the box.

How do neural networks work in disruptive thinkers?

Neural networks are groups of neurons that work together to process information and perform specific cognitive functions. Neural networks are organized into complex circuits that turn on and off in response to different stimuli and tasks. Disruptive thinkers are believed to have more complex and flexible neural networks that allow them to process information more efficiently and creatively.

When a disruptive thinker is faced with a problem, their brain activates multiple neural networks that specialize in different types of cognitive processing, such as perception, memory, emotion, and attention. These neural networks can work in parallel to analyze different aspects of the problem and generate new ideas and solutions.

Additionally, disruptive thinkers have a greater ability to integrate information from different sources and associate ideas that seem unrelated. This is due to the increased connectivity between different areas of the brain, especially in the frontal and parietal regions, which are involved in information integration and problem solving.

For example, the default mode network, found in the central nervous system, is important for creative thinking and imagination, and is involved in autobiographical memory, visualization, and empathy.

How does neuroplasticity work in the disruptive thinker?

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to adapt and change based on experience. For the disruptive thinker, neuroplasticity is important because it allows the brain to adapt to new situations and create new neural connections to encourage creative and innovative thinking.

Disruptive thinkers often have a greater capacity for neuroplasticity due to their ability to think outside the box and challenge established norms. By being exposed to new and challenging situations and experiences, the brain of a disruptive thinker can create new neural connections and adapt to approach these situations in innovative ways.

Furthermore, neuroplasticity can also be fostered through training and practice. Disruptive thinkers can train their brain to better adapt to new situations and develop their ability to generate innovative ideas through exercises and practices that encourage creativity and thinking outside the box.

Neuroplasticity is crucial to disruptive thinking, not only because it allows for adaptation and change based on experience, but also because it allows the brain to unlearn and reorganize itself to approach situations in innovative ways.

Disruptive thinkers often have to challenge established norms and paradigms, and to do so they need to be able to quickly unlearn what they already know and gain new knowledge and skills to approach problems differently.

How can I train my mind to be a disruptive thinker?

Training your mind to be a disruptive thinker can be a challenging process, but there are some strategies that can help develop a disruptive mind:

1. Practice mindfulness: It is the only brain exercise that alters the brain structure and brings considerable changes to the neural structure.
2. Encourage curiosity: Constantly asking yourself "why?" and "what if?" it can help you challenge assumptions and think more creatively.
3. Continuous learning: Keeping up to date with developments in the industry and in other related areas can help to develop greater knowledge, new ideas and innovative approaches. You can improve your learning ability by reading books, attending conferences, watching documentaries, and participating in courses and workshops.
4. Diversify Points of View: Actively seeking different perspectives and opinions, even if you disagree with them, can help broaden the way you think and generate new ideas.
5. Develop empathy: Learning to understand and appreciate different perspectives and experiences can help spark new ideas and innovative approaches.
6. Be a careful observer: Often the inspiration for disruptive solutions comes from observing the world around us. Pay attention to the phenomena that are happening around you and try to find explanations and discover ways to apply what you see in new situations.
7. Challenging the status quo: Questioning conventional ways of doing things and being willing to try new ideas can help develop more innovative thinking.
8. Stimulate the imagination: Exercising the imagination through reading, visualizing and creating stories and mental scenarios can help develop the ability to generate new and creative ideas.
9. Experiment: Trying new things and being willing to make mistakes can help develop the ability to adapt and find innovative solutions to challenges.
10. Practice Lateral Thinking: Lateral thinking involves finding creative solutions to problems that have no obvious solutions. Practicing solving brain teasers and puzzles can help develop lateral thinking skills.
11. Fosters Creativity: Creativity is an essential skill for disruptive thinking. Practice creative activities like writing, music, or art to encourage creativity in your thinking. Performing artistic activities, writing, reading literature of various genres, and exploring new experiences and perspectives.
12. Sharpen Perception: To be a disruptive thinker, it's important to be aware of details and patterns that other people miss. To improve perception, you can practice detailed observation of your environment, do mindfulness and memory exercises.
13. Develop cognitive flexibility: This means having the ability to quickly switch from one mode of thinking to another. To improve cognitive flexibility, you can play board games, solve brain teasers and math problems.
14. Practice critical thinking: Critical thinking is essential to analyze and evaluate information in an objective and reasoned way. You can improve your critical thinking by questioning your own ideas and assumptions, examining different perspectives, and looking for evidence that supports or contradicts your hypotheses.

Constantly practicing these habits can help train your mind to be a disruptive thinker.