Roger Spitz’s Disrupt with Impact provides a systematic exploration of disruption and offers practical advice on enhancing foresight and decision-making so that people and organizations can navigate a rapidly changing and uncertain world. Although helpful for everyone, the book is especially relevant for preparing leaders to engage with the future as response-able, agile architects (this is Spitz’s term) rather than passive observers. Spitz employs a multidisciplinary approach to disruption, and I was especially impressed with the way it brings together foresight, philosophy, and strategy to address this important topic.
Spitz reframes disruption by moving away from describing it as an isolated event or a series of technological upheavals, but instead as systemic and omnipresent. He also points out that disruption impacts not only business but also challenges the relevance of institutions and humanity. He urges us to recognize that the familiar patterns we rely on are increasingly inadequate in the face of exponential change. His exploration of systemic disruption, or what he terms “Disruption 3.0,” is particularly insightful, as he points out the significance of the cascading effects of interconnected changes that defy traditional linear thinking.
Building on his discussion of systemic disruption, Spitz offers a balanced view, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities that disruption presents. This duality is critical for leaders who must navigate not only the threats posed by rapid change, which is usually how disruption is described, but also the potential for transformation that disruptions bring. Spitz’s discussion on the necessity of developing antifragile systems—an idea developed by Nassim Nicholas Taleb about systems that thrive and grow stronger in response to volatility—highlights the role of strategic foresight as an essential element of organizational operating systems.
The book’s emphasis on the importance of embracing new frameworks is particularly relevant for those involved in leadership development. One framework Spitz introduces is the “6 i’s” toolkit—Intuition, Inspiration, Imagination, Improvisation, Invention, and the Impossible—as essential for thriving and creating your preferred futures in an uncertain world. This toolkit enables action when faced with uncertainty and serves as a reminder that traditional approaches to leadership and strategy are insufficient in the face of today’s complex challenges. Leader development efforts must seek to cultivate these qualities to inspire creativity, foster innovation, and enable leaders to guide their organizations through uncertainty. Spitz also incorporates into this framework the idea that creating our preferred futures is possible, emphasizing this point throughout the book through a focus on the elements of strategic foresight. This reflects the idea that we can be architects of the future.
One of the most unique aspects of Disrupt with Impact is how it addresses the ethical implications of disruption. Spitz discusses the responsibilities and ethical dilemmas related to disruptions. He challenges leaders to consider the broader impact of their actions on society and the environment, advocating for a systemic approach to innovation that advances sustainable value creation. One example he offers is considering the ethical implications of geoengineering technologies that are developed to mitigate climate change. Adopting an ethical perspective is crucial if organizations are to promote positive and impactful outcomes and serve as stewards for future generations. The ability to integrate ethical considerations into an organization’s operations and culture is an important attribute for leaders, especially when facing the type of disruption described in the book.
As a philosopher working at the intersection of futures thinking, strategy, and leadership development, I found Disrupt with Impact to be an invaluable resource. Spitz’s insights address the challenges facing organizations and people. He explains the importance and role of strategic foresight and offers practical tools while also incorporating philosophical insights, both of which are essential for those seeking to lead in the era Spitz describes as Disruption 3.0.
Disrupt with Impact: https://www.thrivingondisruption.com/disrupt-with-impact.