Most Common Roadblocks Typically Seen with Coaching Clients
By Clayton Fujimura - eGuide Senior Systems Analyst
Shiny New Object Syndrome
A curse for growing organizations.
What is Shiny New Object Syndrome (SNOS)?
Shiny New Object Syndrome (SNOS) is when new initiatives and new ideas come easier than follow through. It’s the moment when a new opportunity arises through your network that might not be totally aligned with your services, but it just seems like something you shouldn’t turn down because of the impact it could have on your organization. What does this actually look like?
A fellow business owner tells you about the new project management software they’ve been using and how it has revolutionized the way they operate. So, of course, you schedule a demo and get sucked into the funnel, and all of the sudden a “change for the sake of change” is occupying your entire team's bandwidth.
Or, It’s when you learn about V2MOM (V2MOM is a coaching and project management framework) for the first time and decide it’s way better than the EOS system you’re already using (EOS is a trending entrepreneurial ‘operating system’ that can help businesses gain traction).
(Surprise: we are a little bias when it comes to this example… We LOVE V2MOM.)
The shiny new object (SNO) comes along, and all of those previously shiny projects, and initiatives you should be working on, fall by the wayside.
Don’t worry - it’s not all your fault. Why is it so common?
Businesses are built by entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs love shiny new objects as much as most dogs love chasing squirrels and bunnies. It’s in their DNA. Why? Because it’s vital to be creative, proactive, and bullish to be a great entrepreneur. You have to be nimble, willing to take risks, and happy to embrace change if you want to build a business. When it comes to the majority of entrepreneurs eGuide partners with, they are also focused on what comes next more than what needs to be fine-tuned now.
The skills that helped you build your business from the ground up are the same tendencies that lead to SNOS. It is your greatest strengths being turned against you as your business grows.
Stop. Collaborate. And Listen. Sage advice from Vanilla Ice.
Do this as an exercise: Complete a single initiative from start to finish. Completion is a muscle. If you are struggling with SNOS, the first thing you should do is stop and ask yourself: What initiatives do I have currently? Which one is the number one priority? Can I set the rest to the side for now? If yes, then do so immediately.
Take that initiative and complete it from start to finish. Don’t have time to execute that vision in the proposed time you are setting for yourself? Collaborate! Pull on your team and their collective genius to get the project done.
What have we accomplished here? The team has been able to contribute to the new process, the key stakeholders have been properly trained on the new process, and everyone feels comfortable with it. You are now able to delegate management of the new process and move on the next initiative.
Now that you’ve started to break that habit, you’re ready to create an overarching plan for the initiatives you are thinking about. However, before you go full speed ahead, survey your team and listen to their feedback. This isn’t to say your SNO isn’t worth pursuing, it just gives you a chance to gain the full support of your team. You’ll also have a better sense of how long this new project will take. (In our experience, It’s longer than you think.)
Give yourself and your team the gift of a single polished reliable object, rather than a ton of shiny new objects!
Help Someone. Have Fun, Be You. Learn & Teach. Finish What You Start.
