Shiny Object Syndrome
Are you attracted to shiny new things?
In the previous article, we discussed the danger of the shadow mission, where organizations veer off track over time due to other priorities overshadowing their original mission.
But there’s another phenomenon that leaders must be aware of and guard against.
Because this time, it’s the leader who causes the problem!
It is called Shiny Object Syndrome.
Lest you think that I imagined this term, I kid you not, it has an entry in Wikipedia!
Shiny Object Syndrome happens when a leader is constantly chasing new trends, the latest and greatest ideas, or new opportunities.
Instead of staying on course with the original mission…
…the leader gets excited about a new thing that distracts from the original direction.
Shiny Objects
Here are some examples of shiny objects that leaders often pursue:
🚄 The silver bullet — A new solution. This new idea seems foolproof! If it worked for others, it's gotta work for us, right?
🛝 The slide — An easy way out. This strategy looks deceptively simple to implement. We hardly have to lift a finger! And let's be honest, we're already swamped. Who has time for hard work?
☕️ The stimulant — A novel idea. I attended a conference; I was hit with a new and exciting idea that seemed like pure magic. I heard stories of other leaders achieving great success through this idea, and we really need to do this!
🐱🐱 The Siamese twin — An idea to copy. This other leader is killing it, so let’s do exactly what they are doing.
For those who are suffering from Shiny Object Syndrome, I can relate!
I'm a creative person who literally is attracted to shiny objects. I also love to try new things and start new projects.
But there's a point where chasing the next best thing turns into being distracted by new and exciting opportunities.
Every idea is not worth pursuing. The switching costs of moving from one initiative to the next become expensive. And time and energy — not to mention your people — become depleted.
How appropriate that the acronym for Shiny Object Syndrome is SOS because constantly chasing shiny objects exhausts people and resources.
Focus and productivity begin to decline. Over time, the continual focus on shiny things causes a drop in meaningful results.
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Discernment
I get it. Leaders want things to get better. And the fear of missing out is a real thing.
Also, there is nothing wrong with exploring options. In this time of disruption, organizations that stand still will die.
It takes discernment to know whether what you are considering is another shiny object or will help the organization achieve its long-term goals.
To overcome Shiny Object Syndrome, keeping your organization or team on course begins with you. Don't allow yourself to get distracted and take the wrong path. Stay focused on the agreed-upon roadmap.
Take a moment to reflect. Which shiny objects are your kryptonite? Any others that have caught your eye?
In the next article, we’ll talk about strategies to inoculate yourself against the syndrome.
