Lead Like an Insurgent

Don't lead like an incumbent, lead like an insurgent. This powerful approach challenges the conventional approach to leadership, urging us to rethink how we inspire, innovate, and drive change. Incumbents often cling to the status quo, relying on established systems and predictable strategies. Insurgents, on the other hand, disrupt, adapt, and push boundaries to create something extraordinary. In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world, leading like an insurgent is not just an option—it’s a necessity.

What Does It Mean to Lead Like an Insurgent?

Insurgent leaders are bold, agile, and unafraid to challenge norms. They don’t wait for permission or rely on outdated playbooks. Instead, they act with urgency, embrace risk, and focus on creating impact over maintaining comfort. Here are the key traits that define insurgent leadership:

1. Embrace Disruption Over Complacency

Incumbents protect what’s working; insurgents reinvent what’s possible. Disruption doesn’t mean chaos—it means questioning assumptions and finding better ways to solve problems. Insurgent leaders ask, “Why do we do it this way?” and aren’t afraid to pivot when the answer doesn’t hold up.

For example, consider how companies like Airbnb or Tesla broke into established industries. Their leaders didn’t follow the rules of hospitality or automotive giants—they rewrote them. In your own leadership, look for opportunities to challenge outdated processes or introduce fresh perspectives, even if it ruffles feathers.

2. Act with Speed and Agility

Insurgents don’t have the luxury of endless resources or time, so they move fast. They make decisions with the information at hand and adjust as they go. In contrast, incumbent leaders often get bogged down in bureaucracy or analysis paralysis, missing critical opportunities.

To lead like an insurgent, prioritize action over perfection. Launch that project, test that idea, or make that tough call. Speed allows you to learn, iterate, and stay ahead of the curve. As General George S. Patton famously said, “A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.”

3. Inspire Through Vision, Not Authority

Insurgent leaders rally people around a compelling vision, not a title or hierarchy. They communicate with passion and clarity, making others believe in the mission. This is critical in times of uncertainty, when teams crave purpose over directives.

Take a page from leaders like Elon Musk, who inspires his teams by painting a vivid picture of colonizing Mars or revolutionizing transportation. To adopt this mindset, focus on the “why” behind your work. Share your vision frequently and authentically to ignite enthusiasm and commitment.

4. Take Calculated Risks

Incumbents avoid risks to protect their position; insurgents take risks to create breakthroughs. Insurgent leaders weigh the potential rewards against the costs and act decisively, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

This doesn’t mean being reckless. It means being strategic—knowing when to push forward and when to pull back. For instance, launching a new product in an untested market might feel risky, but if the research supports it, an insurgent leader dives in. Identify one calculated risk you can take this month to move your team or organization forward.

5. Stay Hungry and Humble

Insurgents never assume they’ve “made it.” They stay curious, seek feedback, and learn from failure. This hunger keeps them grounded and open to growth, unlike incumbents who may rest on past successes.

To cultivate this mindset, surround yourself with diverse perspectives and actively listen to your team. Admit when you’re wrong and use setbacks as fuel for improvement. Humility paired with ambition is a powerful combination that keeps you sharp and relatable.

Why Insurgent Leadership Matters Now

In a world of rapid technological advances, shifting workforce dynamics, and unpredictable markets, leading like an incumbent is a recipe for obsolescence. Organizations need leaders who can navigate ambiguity, inspire innovation, and drive meaningful change. Insurgent leadership isn’t just about staying relevant—it’s about setting the pace for others to follow.

At Don’t Wait, Lead Now, we believe leadership is about action and impact. The world doesn’t need more managers maintaining the status quo; it needs insurgents who dare to redefine what’s possible.

How to Start Leading Like an Insurgent Today

Ready to shake things up? Here are three practical steps to channel your inner insurgent:

1. Identify One Sacred Cow to Challenge: Pick a process, policy, or assumption in your organization that’s holding you back. Propose a bold alternative and rally support for it.

2. Set a 48-Hour Action Goal: Choose one decision or project you’ve been delaying. Commit to taking a concrete step within the next 48 hours, even if it’s imperfect.

3. Share Your Vision: Hold a team meeting or send a message articulating your vision for the future. Make it clear, compelling, and tied to a larger purpose.

Conclusion

Leading like an insurgent isn’t about tearing everything down—it’s about building something better. It’s about moving with purpose, inspiring others, and refusing to settle for “good enough.” As you step into this mindset, you’ll not only transform your leadership but also ignite change in those around you.

So, don’t lead like an incumbent, waiting for the world to hand you opportunities. Lead like an insurgent—disrupt, act, and inspire. The future belongs to those who dare to shape it.

Visit www.dontwaitleadnow.com for more insights and tools to fuel your insurgent leadership journey. You can also find us on Substack and on Medium