The Importance of Disruptive Mindset in the World Today

Everything we do in our daily lives is about mindset. Whether we are productive or not, whether we are creative, or if we are passively active, is largely determined by our mindset. 

This mindset is the forerunner to step in all kinds of activities and actions. In addressing a problematic condition, the mindset plays an important role in directing us to solve the problem or be weakened by it. 

Likewise, in the work or profession that we live, whether we as workers or employees, as entrepreneurs, as representatives of the people, as teaching staff, health workers, firefighters, and all other professions our steps are very much determined by our inner mindset.

Every job must have its own dynamics. There are problems that at certain moments arise and require treatment as soon as possible. The quality of problem solving will be good if the people in it move within the framework of a productive mindset, and vice versa. Especially in the fast-paced era like now where change is going so fast and dynamic. 

The movements that occur are not sloping or step by step. All moves exponentially. What used to happen takes a few years, now it can happen in a matter of months or even days. For example, it used to take two or three years and even more to replace the cellphone we have with a new one. But now in just under a year we can change several brands of mobile phones. Moreover, the current providers are so quickly launching their new generation products.

The challenges in the world of work that we live too. Along with the rapid and massive movement of various business lines out there, where we go through the profession also felt the impact. Like the domino effect, the era in which we live today tends to lead to connectivity in all fields. When one field experiences problems, it is quickly "transmitted" to other fields. 

This condition occurs systemically. One after another feel the impact of a problem that hits one area of our lives. Conditions like this inevitably require us to always be on standby from time to time. This preparedness cannot happen by itself, it requires the existence of a mindset that is able to accommodate this rapid flow of change. We need a disruptive mindset.

What is "Disruptive Mindset"? 

In the book Disruption, Prof. Rhenald Kasali explained about the importance of mindset in entering the fast-paced era as it is today. An era that allows us to go anywhere even though we do not have a car or motorcycle alone. This is the era of disruption. 

This era can not be lived by using the old mindset, because it will only make us eroded by those who have a new mindset. We can't use the "postcard" mindset, but we have to use the "email" mindset. Fast, concise and smart. The following are some of the things that are part of disruptive mindset.

1. Not bound by space and time

Peoples with disruptive mindset are those who move swiftly whenever and wherever. They do not limit themselves because of the distance or time. They are always ready to act whenever needed and wherever they are. This is very possible to happen given the development of information technology that exists today. 

We can do teleconferences with people who are far from where we live. The existence of WhatsApp (WA) makes the cost of long distance communication so cheap. Previously we had to spend enough money to buy telephone credit, but now by issuing a few "megabytes" is enough.

In the past, public services could only be accessed at certain hours. But as the birth of social media (social media) access can be done 24 hours nonstop. Public officials can monitor the conditions in the community in real time through various reports in the public sphere. So fast, so easy. 

If at this time we are still old-fashioned by following the old style such as updating information at work hours, then it will make us miss information which ultimately makes us late in making decisions. Disruptive mindset is about the possibility of us moving without the limitations of space and time.

2. Proactive

The era of disruption does not need people who are passive or waiting for the ball to arrive. With a high level of competition, the action of picking up the ball must be done. Don't wait for the problem to come, but take preventative measures so the problem can be resolved before it gets bigger. We must be proactive about every condition in our work environment. Examine all the conditions that we live from time to time and find a gap to make it better.

It is very unlikely that everything will run perfectly. There will always be a weak side that needs to be patched related to a condition. Likewise with the work that we do, it also requires continuous improvement. The principle is not about being "the best", but to be "better". Because "the best" tends to make us complacent, while "better" makes us want to continue to grow. To ensure this "better" happens, we must be proactive.

3. Put forward ideas and reject boundaries

Every problem is a challenge that must be resolved. It's just that sometimes some people feel that they can't do this and that because of limitations in some ways. 

There are those who feel constrained themselves because of the small capital, there are those who feel constrained because of a small budget, there are those who feel constrained by convoluted rules, and so forth. This condition often makes us surrender to the situation and give up before fighting. This is not the attitude of someone with a disruptive mindset.

Disruptive mindset will bring someone to move against existing boundaries, not surrender to it. This does not mean telling us to move against the rules, it's just that we have to be more creative in acting. Looking for gaps that exist between the many restrictions that are owned. 

This condition requires us to look for new ideas that allow us to keep moving. Small capital is not an obstacle to go forward and develop a business. An outdated machine is not an obstacle to creating quality products. 

After all, the biggest asset a person has is not financial resources or other valuables. The most valuable asset we have is creativity within us. Creativity is the source of ideas that support us to grow and exist in this age.

The mindset that we have will greatly determine the quantity and quality of our achievements in the field of work that we live. To get more results than others, then we must make something different. And that starts with the mindset. With the right mindset, we will be able to behave and act appropriately.

Regards,
Agil S Habib

Dialihbahasakan dari artikel berjudul 'Pentingnya "Disruptive Mindset" dalam Dunia Kerja Masa Kini' dan publish di Kompasiana pada tanggal 18 Oktober 2019.