How To Be Disruptive in Life and Work
I don’t know what gets more of a reaction – telling people we are car free or telling people we aren’t on Facebook (well, actually, weren’t on Facebook).
In truth, those are just a couple of the things, minor things actually, that prompt the crinkled brow in people. We happen to get that befuddled look – the same one people often get when looking at unusual art – a lot. We see it as a good sign because it usually means we’re on the right track.
“Disruptive” is currently a big ol’ buzzword in our world of work, Human Resources. Savvy employers are now vigorously searching for “disruptive energy” to keep the workplace “bleeding edge.” Yes, “bleeding edge” is the new “cutting edge” and, today, being called “disruptive” in the workplace is like being called a “change agent” ten years ago.
I know, I know… It’s very “peapod green is the new black.” And, to be honest, a lot of this crap is why we bolted from the 8-5 corporate world. But, there’s a fantastic core philosophy in all this that can make work and – more importantly – life more fulfilling.
In the kinds of places you want to work (trust us here), disruptive people aren’t viewed as trouble makers. Sure, some people still perceive them as such, but – for the most part – they are embraced as mavericks for examining popular wisdom. These people are often recognized for not only perfecting processes and making organizations more successful, but also for transforming industries and reshaping organizations’ cultures.
There’s a lot we can learn from the way “disruptive” has been redefined in the workplace – how the concept has shifted from something unfavorable to something prized. Being disruptive, in this positive sense, can obviously be about much more than success in the workforce.
One of our main goals in life is to be disruptive. We love to look at things that are explicitly or implicitly explained away as “just the way it’s supposed to be” and ask, “why?” We strive to examine popular modes of living and make sure they genuinely align with who we are. When they don’t, we aim to be strong-willed enough to say so, even when it contradicts the collective and induces the wrinkled brow.
Regardless of the arena, we view being disruptive as the ultimate form of being authentic, curious and bold. To us, it’s about seemingly small actions that make people stop in their tracks and question what they believe – especially those beliefs that have been long held as facts.
Sometimes, it’s simply about doing the right thing. That might mean helping someone who needs a hand when everyone else walks by, or being positive and constructive when everyone else is being negative and unproductive.
We are about to get a lot more practice at this, as we’re preparing to take off for our annual camping advocation. Just like last year, we’ll be doing lots of camping and hiking and spreading the word about our disdain for poverty. What’s cool is that we don’t have to be confrontational or annoying at all. Last year, for instance, we got people’s attention by wearing t-shirts with a strong anti-poverty message. Don’t worry, we rewarded people who stopped us with granola bars.
We’re still navigating how to be disruptive, but we do have some quick pointers to pass along from our journey.
Think critically. We subscribe to the notion that if something is popular, it just might be wrong. Mindless group-think is a powerful force that goads people into simply “going along” with things. Question the norm. Make your own decisions.
Define yourself. Don’t be limited by others’ need to put you in a box. We’re all dynamic, multi-faceted individuals. Create the frame through which others see you (and not the other way around).
Be honest. We try not to simply go with the flow. This isn’t about being tedious or unkind; it’s about being truthful. People will get over it. If not, whose problem is it, really?
We continue to figure it all out, but we firmly believe that these small acts of individuality can drive larger-scale social change and, hopefully, inspire others to look at their own lives.
Being car-free, as an example, is no big deal. But you’d be surprised at the number of people who still look at us like it’s the strangest thing they’ve ever heard. You’d be even more surprised by the number of these same people who – weeks or months later – loop back around and say “I think you guys are on to something…”
And that’s good, because being car free is nothing, and it’s just the beginning of what we have to say.
Join us. Be disruptive (but not in a jerk sort of way).
Don’t you just love how new buzzwords take over an industry every few years? To me it is fascinating how the industries evolve very little, but with the creation of new buzzwords and (now) social media, small changes can seem like revolution.
Hi, Justin – We actually hate that so many workplaces are full of these buzzwords and lingo. We keep a list of the funniest and most inane. It makes us laugh (and may be the platform for a book one day). One company markets their employment “experience” as a “journey with friends.” Really!?!?
Having said that, we love the core idea behind being disruptive and are happy to steal that word’s hot-in-the-workplace status for our own purposes
Ah crap, I am one of these disruptive energies in the office. I am in desperate need to break from this cubicle nation… 6 more months… then i’m off to travel for good.
Now if I could only make the break now…
I don’t want to be described as bleeding edge. This is all a carrot dangling before our eyes.
And, more importantly, you are clearly a disruptive energy in LIFE. You get people to think. Very excited to follow your path, David.
I guess you can say that disruptive in Southeast Asia can mean something entirely different. However, there are those in SEA that understand the true meaning.
I’d be interested to learn more about how people in SEA would respond to this take on disruption in work and life (especially since I studied this sort of thing in grad school).
If it’s popular, it might be wrong – yep. That’s how I feel. There are a lot of things about being popular that I can’t stand. However, there is something ironic about that though.
Thanks, Jeremy – Do you mean that sometimes the “anti” point of view can become more popular than the “accepted” point of view.
I like the idea of being “authentic, curious and bold.” Nicely put!
Also, I would LOVE to be car-free! Unfortunately, if you live in Los Angeles it’s an impossibility. However, we’ve been investing heavily in building up our light rail (and heavy rail) infrastructure, so in the next ten years we might actually be like a “real” city.
p.s. That photo of the gum is gross!
Living car free in Los Angeles would be nearly impossible for most people. You’d go crazy.
Oh, but think how great it would be if you could do it. We’ve enjoyed using the metro/light rail system down there. Expansion sounds great.
Being car-free in LA is totally do-able if you’re in the right area. If/when I move out there, I’m going to try to live near West Hollywood or Hollywood, just off Santa Monica Blvd, which would give me access to all the best parts of the city via bus. Michael, check out: http://livinginlawithoutacar.blogspot.com/
I think in life I have always been the disruptive one. I have always been very vocal about things that I just don’t understand or think are wrong. I know sometimes thats not a great thing but sometimes it is and because of that I think I am where I am today. I would have to say “Defining Yourself” is the 1st step most people should take to become destructive. Once you know who you are you wont let others try to define you.
Um, I think you meant “step to becoming DISRUPTIVE” not “destructive” – I hope:)
Anyhow, great point, Mr. T. It’s never a bad thing to be vocal about things we don’t understand or that we think are wrong. We’ve gotta meet up so we can talk further about all this life-scaping stuff.
In Linchpin: Are you indispensable?, Seth Godin pretty much makes the same point as you guys. He challenges people not to become what we have been programmed to become and that’s work drones. He said the indispensable employee will be the one who becomes valuable and necessary to their company by becoming original thinkers, provocateurs, yet still be human and compassionate to others.
To succeed, they must be willing to lead and evangelize change or new ways of accomplishing goals at great risk of being mocked and ridiculed by co-workers. Risk-takers are a dying breed, but in this economy, we need people who are willing to think outside the box to bring fresh and new ideas to the forefront.
I don’t know if you remember the Jetsons, but George worked at a factory called Cogswell Cogs….which conjures up images of humanoids manning the assembly lines day in and day out making generic cogs. The cog reference is significant because a cog is a wheel engaged with another that moves in a circular motion going nowhere outside of its boundary, but each wheel is necessary for the other to move or advance to virtually nowhere. It’s a vicious and ironic cycle that keeps you stagnant, immobile and unproductive. Instead, today we need a mass production of ideas, rather than more corporate robots.
……….sorry for the novel.
Wow, brilliant Renee. What you mention (regarding Linchpin) is right in our work arena, so we couldn’t agree more. That challenge – to resist what we are programmed to become – is a tough one for people to metabolize. But, in this sour, stagnant economy, it’s even more important to make yourself indispensable.
Obviously, we love how that larger theme is a great lesson for life, which is why we tried to touch on both sides in this post.
Thanks for lending your voice.
I love this. I am drawn to people who think critically and are comfortable being themselves, and I hope people respect me for being that way, too. I wish you all the best on your camping trip!
If you are drawn to those types of people… we are drawn to you
Thanks for the well-wishes as we head out to camp and hike. We like that this yearly adventure has taken on a whole new meaning, as we make a point of doing some advocating along the way.
That’s wonderful. I look forward to hearing about the adventure and its new meaning.
Thanks, Jenna.
” being positive and constructive when everyone else is being negative and unproductive.”
I love that. Sort of rings well with my life. Adopt that attitude and you seize opportunities the naysayers miss because they’re looking at the negatives.
Yeah, where do we join up?!
BTW can you add another point- get in touch with your intuitive side and follow it.
Glad you like that part, Jim. We were just talking with a great friend about the idea that, oftentimes, the disruptive thing is the positive thing (when everyone else is being negative). How odd is that?
Your comment about intuition is perfect. You just planted an idea for another post.
I’d like to read your post on intuition. Subject we travellers should be discussing. So often I see another ‘Follow your heart’ post about throwing it in and travelling. But your heart is what you think you want to do.
Whereas your intuition is trying to tell you what you should do.
World of difference.
Heart decisions are dreams and often lead to disappointment.
Intuitive decisions never wrong as they are the correct decisions for you.
How’s that for wisdom?
Couldn’t agree more about the power of intuition. We’ve learned this (sometimes the hard way) over the last several years.
You need to apply for Oprah’s job. She just quit, you know!
“Question the norm. Make your own decisions.Define yourself. Be Honest” Words to live by! For some reason our society has become drones of one another. No one stands up and says something contrary for fear of being rejected. Even our houses are cookie cutters of the house next door!
It is time to shake things up! Thanks for being a voice getting the conversation started.
PS Is that picture of Bubblegum Alley in San Luis Obispo? Oh College kids!
Thanks, Debbie – that’s the Gum Wall in Seattle, by the way.
Great points. I wish this had caught on a few years back, my disruptive attitude at work could have helped me! I totally agree with “We subscribe to the notion that if something is popular, it just might be wrong,” although I know people who take that to the extreme, who believe that everything that is popular in music, politics, culture must be bad. That kind of attitude isn’t very smart, either. Best to always think for yourself!
Agree 100%, Scott. It’s about thinking for yourself. We do, however, like to be especially mindful of examining things that are popular.
Take one look at the crap the 2 of us watch on television, and you’ll know that we have not eschewed all things popular
I’d recognize that gum wall anywhere. The hiking photo tripped me up though – I was trying to place the trail in the North Cascades, then the hover-over gave me my answer and placed me in the correct state!
I own that I am disruptive, and love that you guys think this is a good thing. Some people at work call me an agitator, others are nicer and say I’m strategic. But the next time I’m pushing and pulling (and pissing off), I can send them the link to this blog post
I love this: “Some people at work call me an agitator, others are nicer and say I’m strategic.”
Great post!
It’s interesting to see how companies who were once revered for being innovators become so huge that they turn into production lines. What puzzles me is that at some of these organizations, being a lemming is considered a favorable trait. If your try to stand out or voice an opinion or idea that flies in the face of business as usual, you are seen as some sort of Rambo, ready to kill the whole operation.
I was always happiest in smaller organizations where I got to wear many organizational hats, and frankly, most of people were disruptive. It was fun and engaging because there was always something new to do, and I felt like I was moving the ball forward everyday.
BTW, nice gum wall art.
We’ve worked with a big company here in Seattle (and, ahem, I think you know this company very well!) that pays well, has great benefits, the brightest people in the workforce etc. They often take a “our way or the highway” approach to a lot of employees’ divergent ideas. What gives?
I didn’t even know how to drive until I turned 35 — who knew I was being disruptive all those years?
I love your philosophy — be bold, be curious, do the right thing. Funny how a message so easy is lost on so very many.
Not driving until 35? Wow – I BET you got the wrinkled brow.
I’m constantly struggling between technology disrupting and freeing my life.
We are too. We’re thinking of rolling in tech offset days to see if we can handle going without
I know that gum wall now!! Glad to meet you guys in Seattle recently. Let’s catch up on the road soon.
You, too, Michael! Oh, and we know you have NO problem being the person described in this post. Keep at it!
I’ll join you! I’m learning how to create a balance of life and work- and I think I need to be a little more disruptive in order to have more time for myself and my goals. Hard to do at first, but slowly taking more steps to do this!
Word. Balance is tough to achieve, and I think being disruptive is the perfect way to get more. That’s the beauty of trying to live deliberately. It inspires to you strip away the crap that doesn’t matter.
CHEERS!!! you know, when i was little my report card would usually say “is talkative in class”…and that wasn’t a compliment. they meant disruptive. funny how in a place like u.c. berkeley, that is exactly what’s expected! none of this regurgitation of ideas thank you very much- what do you think? and you’ll be challenged on your answer.
i appreciate that so much in others- it makes me trust what they (YOU!) say so much more. in the work place, i’d chalk it up to just another corporate trend that will likely meld into something else faster than you can say “i know you’re working hard, but are you working smart?” but i’m all for folks honing those as traits whether it benefits them in the work place or not. good on ya for being your own recipes.
Hmmm, I think I got that same report card. Not surprising
Truthfully, I think the corporate trend is all about strategy (for many companies). With reduced budgets, they now need to maximize the quality and effectiveness of new employees. That’s a good thing, but – in many cases – it’s just a business decision.
However selfish the intent may be (corporate profits!), how cool is it that disruptive people and actions are being nurtured.
you are not on facebook?
Um, weren’t on Facebook. We caved.
I think you guys are on to something
Really thoughtful post. The first few paragraphs of corporate jargon nearly sent me into shock though because I haven’t been in that world for 8 months.
It’s our job to keep you in touch with reality so that you’re scared of stepping back into a corporate job. You better stay out there on the road. That landlord doesn’t seem so bad now, does she
I like your 3 pointers on how to be disruptive. I’m looking forward to hearing about your annual camping trip and how it goes.
Thanks, Christy. We’re excited about the camping trip. In the past, we’ve gotten into some great conversations with people about #NoMorePoverty. Our collection of hard-to-miss shirts is very effective.
“We love to look at things that are explicitly or implicitly explained away as “just the way it’s supposed to be” and ask, “why?”…….”
I am a big advocate of striking the phrase “Just because…” from vocabularies world wide! I refuse to do something “just because” it is what I’m “supposed” to do, or what all the cool kids are doing. Never again….
I think, as kids, we came out of the gate asking our mothers “why?” I’m surprised they both still speak to us. Look what they’ve started?!
We were just talking, too, about the fact they we were both disruptive (before it was “cool”) in the workplace. That’s probably why we’re not in the traditional workplace any longer
Now you’ve given me something to scheme about. I want to be disruptive.
Get back to us with your progress!
You guys are like my long-lost bosom buddies (whom I’ve never met)! For the last few years I’ve identified strongly with the ideology behind queer for many of the same reasons you articulate here. Questioning the norm, pushing boundaries, asking questions, identifying one’s sexuality/gender/relationships/raceðnicity/etc as fluid and dynamic social constructs…
Sort of outside the framework of what you’re writing about here, but also maybe not? It’s important to think critically, define yourself, and be honest in ALL parts of life.
Not at all outside of the framework – very cool! Of course, our life as gay guys plays heavily into this theme because it, too, is a huge conversation starter. Especially when someone says something like: “…no no no, you guys are great, I just don’t get the whole gay thing.”
Nice post. As a fellow HR monkey (professional? po-TA-to, po-TAH-to), my experience has been that HR is one of the least receptive areas for that disruptive way of thinking. I hate being viewed as a member of the “department of ‘no’ “. It’s one of the reasons I’m looking to change fields and do something new.
Having said that, I totally encourage everyone to learn how to be disruptive in the right ways. How else will we ever create something new?
Funny you should mention that attitude in HR. I actually shifted my professional focus a few years back to get INTO HR because I could not stand what I was seeing as an employee outside of the department. Flawed as it was (and is!), I loved being a part of making HR departments more what they should be. It is happening…. slowly.
Now – doing HR-ish work on our own – we choose to align ourselves only with those organizations that are all about New School HR. We love it. That is, as outsiders with complete freedom
At alotofwind.com we wholeheartedly endorse disruptiveness of any kind.
Thinking critically is
a) not easy
b) as imortant as it gets, and
c) under threat.
Thank you.
Thanks, Robin. Part 3 = very true.
Are ya trying to make me fall in love with you two? This is so right on I can’t amen it enough.
The plan is working. We fell in love with you a long time ago.
Wanted to add, I’m car free as well. Haven’t owned one since my divorce when my husband decided he wanted to keep it (for his new wife and new kids). If I have my way, I’ll never own a car again. I’m proud of that but like you have experienced negative reactions. I just couldn’t care less. For me, it’s an environmental stance as well as a way to save money.
First off, if that doesn’t call for a “oh no he di’int” I don’t know what does.
This is a topic for an entirely different post (on minimizing)… But I’ll just say we thought being car free would be the toughest thing ever. It’s probably been one of the easiest changes we’ve made. Go figure.
Just wanted to chime in, I too am car free, and don’t regret it one bit. Sometimes it’s a bit of a challenge, sometimes I have to do a little wheeling and dealing to get somewhere… but with patience and a bus pass I have never missed out on something just because I didn’t have a car.
Other than that drag racing career… I guess that will likely never happen…
I’ve always been the disruptive one to question everything. I don’t see the point in sticking with something if it doesn’t work just because its the way things have always been done.
I’m all for progress and evolution- you have to be disruptive in order to achieve this.
Yes! Somehow I thought that was probably true about you
We’re in good company, for sure.
Interesting. I guess I’ve always been disruptive as well – because something needs to make sense to be before I go along and do it.
And all along I thought I was just being a jerk!
OK, Roy – when do we get to meet you? We may just show up on your ship someday.
Ahhhh….love this post and the ideas you are sharing here. I work in the world of education, which is a difficult place to be disruptive. But my work is all about professional development, change, growth, moving people forward, being clear on personal philosophy instead of blindly following a prescribed path…and in my area of the profession I am a bit disruptive. But it is the very thing that has allowed me to connect with people and build some really cool relationships.
By choosing a life that is about living and experiencing and loving I have been seen as a bit disruptive – isn’t it a sad thought that this way of living and being is seen as disruptive? Many people would much prefer that we just all follow the rules. If they don’t get it or don’t feel they can make radical change in their own world than how dare anyone else try and do it! Ha! Too bad!
Being authentic so very much is about being disruptive and questioning prescribed expectations. I am trying to give my kids a sense of how much it matters to NOT follow all of the rules. You can imagine how popular I am with the other parents in the neighborhood…
You guys rock. Thrilled to have connected to your journey…
Exactly, Liane – It’s sad that this way of life is viewed as being disruptive. It should be the norm.
It’s beyond us why, for example, questioning the government is viewed by many as unpatriotic. Don’t get me started on this.
Funny, I BET you’re popular with the other parents in the hood
Think of the quality of kids you are sending out into society. Keep at it!
See, I needed to use that buzzword when I left the video game job I was in. I was one of the highest performers and quite “disruptive”, however, they didn’t like my critical thinking and suggestions – it cost me a promotion – which is why I quit – which is a blessing now because we are on our trip, etc. etc.
Love this post!
I love the idea of wearing the slogan tee shirts on your annual camping trip to create awareness of an issue. Very cool! Have a great trip.
I have always been a disruptive ‘energy’ in the office… much to the delight of bosses, but much to the chagrin of co-workers. It can be difficult, but I can’t imagine ever going with the status quo!
Thanks, Emily! Here’s to inspiring disruption in workplaces everywhere.
I can’t believe disruptive is the new buzzword!
I have to bookmark this post in case I ever return to the 9 to 5 because I totally fall into the disruptive category