Disruption: Friend or Foe?

We are all susceptible to the desires of our clients.  Should the wants and needs of our clients  lean towards a new competing product, we call this disruption.  It is the reason we innovate, forecast and try to read the tea leaves.  In the old days a company could expect some period of unfettered adoration with the release of a new product.  Today, technology allows consumers to look, feel and hear from others like never before.  There simply is no honey moon period.  Disruptive forces may begin innovating your product within hours of release.

On the brighter side, as consumers we are treated to new technologies and offerings by the second.  There is another pressure that comes with disruption.  The trend factor is the desire to keep the current and newest model.  In today's climate its nearly impossible. A new phone is in the works before your new phone hits the shelves.  The same is true of cars, televisions, and services.  Here's a look at the S curve and disruption.  Find more at http://www.innovationzen.com/blog/2006/08/17/innovation-management-theory-part-4/.







So, is disruption a friend or foe?  Well I think it is a friend.  The trick is learning the techniques that help your organization predict the next disruption and trying to beat it or lead it to an immediate counter-disruption.