Turning Shiny Object Syndrome into Your Secret Talent Strategy Weapon

SOS! No, I don’t need help. It’s what some of us can do on a regular basis: “Shiny Object Syndrome” (SOS).

Sound familiar?

I admit it, I am guilty of Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS). I may have read an article, heard a sound bite of the latest trend (did someone say AI?) and the next minute, I’m gung ho down the path of stress testing the idea – but what is the cost?

Understanding Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS)

Over the past few months, I have attended a number of conferences and there are a lot of excellent ideas and concepts that I am keen to test and try out within my role and for our clients, but at what cost? For instance, the rapid adoption of AI in recruitment processes seems promising, but does it align with our current resources and goals?

Personally, I dabbled in AI tools. In my previous company, I was able to have the AI tool help me draft a job description, job ad, interview guide and even a detailed candidate sourcing strategy, that would put the most experienced recruiter to the test. And while it helped me save time building the foundation of the task at hand, we still have a long way to go before AI takes over core aspects of the role – recruiters can breathe a sigh of relief (for now).

As of late, I’ve been seeking to get a deep understanding of ‘skills-based hiring’, with skilled immigration slowly returning, we are still facing a candidate short market. Any new tech, I’m keen to explore, but our industry is saturated with new HR tech solutions, recruitment trends, or talent management methodologies. While SOS can ignite innovation and creativity within HR/TA teams, it also poses risks if not managed effectively.

The Upside of SOS

When HR and TA professionals learn to leverage SOS wisely, it can be a catalyst for driving positive change and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving talent landscape. Embracing new technologies or adopting innovative strategies can lead to significant improvements in candidate experiences, employee engagement, and overall workforce productivity. For example, integrating a new digital interviewing platform to streamline the process but also enhanced candidate engagement.

But with every upside is the not so positive side of SOS. I heed caution about the downsides of SOS. Being consumed by the allure of new and shiny trends may divert valuable time and resources from existing projects and strategies, undermining momentum, and commitment. In another role, the HR Director advised of a new HR analytics tool they’d heard about and arranged a 12 month pilot, only to realise later that it duplicated the functionality of existing systems, leading to a waste of time and funds. If only we took the time to assess the real need.

Harnessing SOS to Your Advantage

To make SOS work for you and your team, consider the following strategies:

Align with Business Objectives: Prioritise initiatives that align with the organisation’s overall goals and vision. Focus on solutions that directly contribute to workforce productivity, employee satisfaction, and long-term organisational success. For instance, introducing a new employee wellness program that directly impacts employee satisfaction and retention can be more beneficial than jumping on every tech trend.

Balance Innovation with Implementation:

Embrace innovative ideas, but also ensure you have the capacity and resources to implement them effectively. Avoid chasing after every new trend and instead focus on those that will truly make a difference in your organisation. My favourite piece of recent advice from our new Country Head, Marios Demetriou, ‘what is the one thing you can experiment with that will provide a positive business impact in the next 6-12 months’?

Collaborate and Communicate:

Foster a culture of open communication and collaboration within your teams. Encourage sharing ideas and best practices, allowing everyone to benefit from each other’s experiences and insights. For example, a team brainstorming session on new recruitment channels led us to discover an untapped talent pool, significantly enhancing our recruitment strategy.

Measure and Evaluate:

Implement new initiatives with a clear plan for measurement and evaluation. Regularly assess their impact and effectiveness and be ready to pivot or refine your approach as needed.

Professional Development:

Encourage ongoing professional development for your teams. Attending industry conferences, webinars, and workshops can provide valuable insights. Ask your teams to present back the findings and discuss as a collective, using a shark tank approach to select the right initiative to implement.

And finally, stay focused on your core objectives and adopting a strategic approach. By embracing innovation with purpose, aligning with business goals, and fostering a collaborative environment, you can effectively leverage SOS to drive positive change and stay at the forefront of practices.

Remember, the key lies in balancing exploration and focused execution to make SOS a valuable tool in your journey of delivering tangible results and making a lasting impact on your organization’s success.

Happy exploring!