Just as ASCA is the professional association for school counselors, the American Society for Association Executives is the association for nonprofit professionals. In August 2015, after being a member of ASAE for almost 25 years, I attended ASAE’s annual conference for the first time.
One of the keynote speakers, Josh Linkner, suggested that successful individuals and organizations reinvent themselves through innovation, which comes from the idea of disruption. Change only comes about when current structures and situations are shaken up. In his books, "Disciplined Dreaming" and "The Road to Reinvention," Linkner outlines several principles of reinvention through creative disruption.
Let go of the past. Too often we cling to the past because it’s comfortable, and we believe what worked in the past will work in the future. As Norm Gysbers would say, the past is a great place to visit, but we shouldn’t live there. We should use the lessons of the past to reinvent the future, not recreate the past.
Encourage courage. Too often, we’re afraid to pursue new ideas or to change our course. However, the most successful leaders encourage others to set aside their fears and celebrate innovations and new ideas.
Embrace failure. We’ve all been conditioned to feel that failing makes us a…failure. Instead, we should see failure as a vital part of innovation. Often, we can’t learn what works until we discover what doesn’t work.
Do the opposite. We’re also conditioned to think like everyone else and to conform to convention. However, most innovators explore uncharted territory and act contrary to conventional wisdom and standard, expected norms.
Imagine the possibilities. Disruptive thinking requires imagination and the ability to believe in a reality we can’t see, touch or hear. Many innovations began with someone who asked, “What if?” and had the faith to find out.
Reject limits. Most people try to stay inside the lines. Society has a tendency to reject any new idea, which limits creativity and innovations. Disruptive thinkers aren’t dissuaded by naysayers and transcend limits society puts on them.
Aim beyond. Even the most creative thinkers cannot get far if they think only in terms of the current world. Truly disruptive thinkers can see a future beyond the present and they base their thinking on what could be, not simply what is.
I was reminded of Linkner’s remarks recently when my wife and I visited the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum in Staunton, Va. Our son, Tyler, had written several papers about Wilson’s presidency and considers Wilson to be the greatest president of the 20th century. One of Wilson’s quotes posted on a wall said, “If you want to make enemies, try to change something.”
People inherently don’t like change, and they don’t like to have their lives disrupted. But if you’re trying to change your life, your organization or your school counseling program, you have to stop what you’re doing and reinvent. Sometimes, you have to let go of your current reality if you want to reach for a dream.
And if you’ve been a member of ASCA for years but have never been to the annual conference, please don’t wait 25 years to go to your first one.