Why Disruption Is the Catalyst for Growth

 Have you ever noticed that it is often the disruptions of life that force transformation?

Right now we're dealing with a strike at Canada Post 📫 . Many are finding it more than an inconvenience, it's actually a disruption. But through it we are forced to transform, to figure out new ways of operating.

I know one friend who is responsible for paying their company's vendors has shifted from mailed checks 💸 to digital payments that don't require mailing. It was already in the works, but this "disruption" sped up that "transformation"

I remember when a rock slide 🪨 closed off our highway along Okanagan Lake linking Kelowna and Penticton. Total disruption. Long detours required. But some creative thinkers figured out another way, ferrying people on the water around the slide. Transformation came out of disruption. It felt like we went backwards (boat transportation ⛴️ ) to go forwards. . . and all because of a disruptive rock slide.

COVID 😷 was probably the best example of disruption bringing transformation. So many industries changed because of that worldwide experience. Remote / work from home 🛜 became a feasible and accepted option. The massive disruption in our ability to meet face to face forced us to transform into digital workers. . . Zoom 💻 meetings became part of our everyday. People had to learn about online grocery shopping, digital banking, remote education, how to bake sourdough bread 🍞 and entertain themselves without others!

Disruption led to transformation in our vehicle insurance provider, ICBC. Before COVID you had to go in to renew your insurance 🚙 , there was no option. But the disruption of COVID resulted in transformation. . .they found a way to make it happen, and now remote renewal is a proven, viable option.

I agree, disruption is hard, and painful, and rarely welcome. All the examples above were difficult times. But in the midst of it, if we allow it, we will find ourselves transforming (often out of necessity) in ways that the comfort zone of the "normal" didn't allow.

Disruptions force us into transformation that the convenience of status quo allowed us to continue in.

So don't waste the disruptions of life. They will continue to happen. Be open to the transformation that is on the other side, if we lean in and look.

Let me know in the comments below what transformation you have seen on the other side of disruption. Cheering you on!