Dealing with Disruption

'Tis the season for disruption. And no, it’s not just the holiday rush, looming deadlines, or the end-of-year reviews.

Whether we’re in the midst of a busy season or sustaining ourselves through quieter times, we know that the potential for disruption is always in the background. Not very encouraging, right? I know. But stick with me.

Disruption, or its potential, may be a constant (after all, we live in a VUCA world), but that also means that we can take action to prepare ourselves for navigating disruption when it occurs. After all, if we know something is going to happen, it makes sense for us to be ready for it. 

First, let's identify what we need to withstand disruption. Resilience, yes. Also, self-awareness, strategies for supporting ourselves and others, and habits that help make it easier to keep going when things become difficult. These essential items are what I like to call scaffolding - the structures that help protect us when we are undergoing work - internal or external. What structures can you put in place (or are already in place) to build your scaffolding when needed? 

Last month, I talked about how finding the right stress management techniques for you sometimes takes trial and error. I hope you’ve done some of that dressing-room work since managing your stress is one of the most important ways to navigate disruption! You may find solace and strength in routines that anchor you, like morning workouts, journaling, or structured planning sessions. Perhaps you prefer a flexible approach to help you pivot gracefully when the unexpected strikes. The key is to know what makes you feel most capable and confident and then safeguard that.

Next, understanding your emotional and mental thresholds is vital. What boundaries do you need to set to preserve your well-being? What can you delegate or say no to to avoid spreading yourself too thin? Knowing when to step back, recharge, or seek support is essential to help prevent burnout when challenges arise.

And finally (for now), as much as I would like sometimes to argue otherwise, we can’t do everything ourselves. The same goes for dealing with disruption; it’s no solitary task. Your support network—whether it’s colleagues, mentors, friends, or family—plays a crucial role in how you withstand and grow through periods of upheaval. Build and lean on these connections without hesitation. 

As we enter this next season filled with inevitable twists and turns, let’s commit to being intentional about naming what we need. Equip yourself with your scaffolding so that when disruption arrives, you don’t just withstand it—you grow through it.