Shiny Object Syndrome

In this episode of Beneficial Intelligence, I discuss Shiny Object Syndrome - the tendency to want to replace perfectly adequate systems with something new, just because it's new. Aviation is full of this, with a new startup every month promising to disrupt air transportation with something AI-driven and autonomous built from scratch out of carbon fiber. 

IT also suffers from this. The problem in IT is internal, not external. Our users don't suffer from Shiny Object Syndrome - they just want their technology to work so they can do what provides value for the business. But developers always want to use the latest language, framework or architecture, in part because it will look good on their CV. 

Unique among aviation startups, and despite their Star Wars-sounding name, X-Wing doesn't suffer from Shiny Object Syndrome. They are taking a solid workhorse aircraft with a proven safety record, the Cessna Grand Caravan, and adding the few bits that are missing. 

When you need something in your IT organization, always try to use what you have and add what's missing. Don't reach for a shiny object. 

---
Beneficial Intelligence is a weekly podcast with stories and pragmatic advice for CIOs and other IT leaders. To get in touch, please contact me at sten@vesterli.com