I Was About To Take Over The World, But Then I Saw Something Shiny

Shiny objects relate to new ideas in pop-culture, business, psychology, technology, and any arena where people may focus, perhaps to a fault.

I recently came across an article about shiny object syndrome (SOS), defined as the situation where people focus undue attention on an idea that is new and?trendy. In some instances, these new ideas, regardless of their value or lack thereof, are also subject to being abandoned as soon as the next newer, shinier things take their place. The term shiny object syndrome is also used when people mistake something small as having great importance, then focus and fixate on it to the extent that they lose sight of the big picture and what actually needs and deserves their time and attention.

”…To make matters worse, the prefrontal cortex has a novelty bias, meaning that its attention can be easily hijacked by something new - the proverbial?shiny objects.”?Daniel J. Levitin

Humans like sparkle

A Belgian research team conducted a study ten years or so ago, revealing why people are so attracted to shiny objects. The finding was that humans have a primal reaction to sparkle, a result of our need for life-sustaining water. Think of being at the seashore on a sunny day and being mesmerized when looking out over the vast ocean glittering from the sun’s reflection. Today you may come across mentions and discussions of the shiny object syndrome as it relates to pop-culture, business, psychology, technology, and any arena where people may focus on a new idea, perhaps to a fault. Even some birds are attracted to shiny objects. So, the question follows, are business continuity professionals also susceptible to SOS?

“Birds, with their keen eyes and vibrant worlds, are sometimes mysteriously attracted to gleaming objects. This allure for the shiny and reflective can be both intriguing and, at times, problematic for our avian friends.” Jack Glittering Obsessions: Birds That Like Shiny Things, ?Ask About Birds August 19, 2023

The fear of missing out

Shining objects may upon examination be found to be a treasure, valuable, helpful, or just shiny.?While these gleaming objects initially seem to be worth becoming the focus of our attention, they also may well become a?distraction.?As business continuity professionals, we are conditioned and encouraged to stay current, change with the times, and not accept the way things have always been done. As a result, we may fear falling behind or not including current best practices, tools, and methodologies in our business continuity management programs. Individuals who face a?fear of missing out on the latest and greatest?are especially susceptible to the lure of glitter and to allowing shiny objects to cloud their judgment and focus.

“…succumbing for this common pitfall is a problem because it takes energy, focus and attention away from the core business.”?Jodie Cook (2/20/23). Shiny Object Syndrome: The Biggest Problem for Today’s?Entrepreneurs, Forbes

I will admit to being susceptible to shiny object syndrome…a new hot topic on LinkedIn or in a new book, an article in one of the professional publications, or something mentioned by a Webinar presenter or conference speaker (particularly one who sparkles). I do not want to miss or overlook a new approach, technology, or a new business continuity planning approach that will bring positive results and an opportunity to improve or enhance the business continuity management program. None of us do.?

“There's no way of knowing in advance what will get into your work. One collects all the?shiny objects?that catch the fancy - a great array of them. Some of them you think are utterly useless. I have a large collection of curios of that kind, and every once in a while I need one of them.” Margaret Atwood

Losing sight of the big picture

Let’s face it. Glossy new objects are different and can be fun. Yet is it possible that at times we focus on and become so preoccupied with the new that we lose sight of the big picture and are distracted from things that, while less shiny, are the core of our business continuity program. When attracted by a shiny object, consider what it was about that shiny object that first attracted you? What positive changes or additions does the shiny object offer? At the same time avoid distractions that can lead to losing sight of the organization’s business continuity goals and objectives, failing to ?review and update plans, or putting a project with known value on hold.

“You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.”? Winston S. Churchill

Look at SOS from a business continuity management perspective. Whether it is a newly available business continuity service, the latest business continuity software, using AI to conduct a business impact analysis, or the latest terminology or clever turn of a phrase about business continuity or resilience, there have never been so many shiny objects. When attracted to something glittery and new, be open minded yet seek to put shiny objects in their place. First do your research. Beyond the glitz, is there substance? Evaluate the worth of the shiny object; conduct a cost-benefit analysis. Do you see quality and true value for your BC program? Your organization? Is what you are seeing the real thing or fool’s gold? Do beginning traces of tarnish quickly start to appear? If you like what you found so far, consider if and where it may belong in your organization. Does it require an immediate shifting of priorities, or is more investigation needed? The decision does not have to be total acceptance or absolute rejection. Is partial acceptance or perhaps acceptance with some tailoring to make it work for your organization what is called for?

“Technology is a beautifully shiny double-edged sword.” Angela Scanlon

Check out shiny stuff, but don’t forget the basics

Entrepreneur, executive, engineer, disaster recovery or business continuity professional, I believe this is equally true regardless of your profession or role. Succumbing to shiny object syndrome could lead to not focusing on what we need to do to maintain and continually improve a fit-for-purpose business continuity program. Do not forget to polish up the important business continuity pillars that have led to the success of your business continuity program. This includes regular revisits to the BIA and risk assessment, ensuring that the training program is fresh and meets its goals, conducting annual reviews, planning and conducting exercises and tests, and increasing business continuity awareness across the organization. Examine the glittery objects as they continue to appear and consider their value but keep the things that matter most your primary focus.

“When principles guide you, the shiny stuff isn’t a distraction; it’s just a pretty thing to admire as you walk by on the path to success.”? Richie Norton

Postscript:? For full disclosure, the idea for this piece originated while I was researching a business continuity topic when the above cited Forbes article about shiny object syndrome caught my eye. From there more reading and research with this result. The above quotes are just some of the shiny objects that captured my attention along the way.

This article was originally published in The Resilience Post on Oct. 15, 2023, and shared?as a LinkedIn post Oct. 16-Dec. 20, 2023.??