Generally An Organisation's Founders Tackle Disruption Better Than Professional, Non-Founder Managers
Some examples:
- Charles Schwab (on-line brokerage)
- David Packard (Hewlett-Packard - microprocessor-based computers)
- Bill Gates (Internet-based computers; SQL and Access database software, etc)
- Akio Morita (Sony - transistor-based electronics)
- Sam Walton (Wal-Mart - Sam's club)
- Steve Jobs (Apple), etc.
It is thought that founders have more self-confidence to override separate processes in interest of issuing disruptive opportunities.
Other imperatives for senior management are
- start before you need to, ie have the resources to handle the new situation
- establish a team of movers and shakers, ie they are responsible for shaping disruptive ideas and responding appropriately
- train the troops - staff closest to the market need to know what to look for and to develop the right processes