Disruption
Today we live with constant disruption. Technology, economic, political and other changes challenge our notions of how things should proceed in our personal lives–and business–every day. Our typical reaction to disruptive change is not to embrace it but to deny it, and by stages to come to understanding. Grant McCracken has written an interesting post in the HBR Blog about five stages of disruption, that I summarize here. Because much of Web marketing is about disruption, I think this idea is worth sharing, to help all of us recognize disruption denial in those around us and even in ourselves.
1. Confusion
We look at the new development, and we just don’t get it. What’s so important about LinkedIn? What use would I ever have for it? Makes no sense to me at all. Why should I care?
2. Repudiation
3. Shaminig
4. Acceptance
5. Forgetting
The Bottom Line
Be aware of the five stages! And when something new presents itself, look at it analyze it carefully, and resist the urge to react emotionally. Think about its personal impact and think about how to adapt to it if it’s successful.