Disturbance Response Playbook
Framework for responding to market disturbances that reset succession - new technology, regulatory changes, economic shocks, or pandemic-level disruptions.
Framework for responding to market disturbances that reset succession - new technology, regulatory changes, economic shocks, or pandemic-level disruptions.
When to Use Disturbance Response Playbook
When your industry experiences disturbance that resets market succession. When new technology threatens incumbents, regulations change market structure, or economic crisis reshapes competitive landscape.
How to Apply
Classify Disturbance Size
Determine if disturbance is small (new technology/competitor, 2-5 year setback), medium (regulatory/economic, 5-10 year setback), or large (technology disruption/pandemic, reset to bare rock).
Questions to Ask
- How fundamentally does this change customer needs?
- How much of existing infrastructure remains valuable?
- How long until new equilibrium?
Match Response to Disturbance
Small: Increase R&D +30-50%, hire faster, accept margin compression. Medium: Restructure business model, divest non-core, pursue M&A. Large: Reinvent or exit, spin out new business, acquire pioneers.
Outputs
- Resource reallocation plan
- Timeline to new equilibrium
- Go/no-go decision on current business model
Execute Transition
Commit to response for appropriate timeline: 2-3 years (small), 5-7 years (medium), 10-15 years (large). Avoid oscillating between strategies.
Outputs
- Multi-year commitment
- Stage-appropriate metrics
- Leadership aligned to new stage