Ask Dr. AJ - Stop Chasing Shiny Objects and Building Credibility

Q: How do you get tech leaders to stop chasing the next shiny object?

Tech professionals are expected to constantly be on top of the newest trends, hardware, software, AI, etc.. Sometimes this can lead to shiny object syndrome, OR leaders are required to pivot when their bosses see the next shiny object.

This can make it difficult to prioritize, plan employees’ time, and budget. Which can in turn make it difficult to complete projects and maintain team morale. Especially if they work hard on and/or are excited about a project and are told to pivot without finishing.

When a tablemate at the PEARC conference asked me this question, I told her I work with my coaching clients on prioritization that takes morale into account. When taking on a new task we discuss not only the time and budgetary costs, but also the risk to morale that can come from a pivot.

Sometimes the right answer is not to pivot. Or, the answer is to pivot later. If the new tech provides an answer to an urgent and important issue, the answer might be a quick pivot. But shiny objects rarely fulfill a need that is both urgent and important.

Looking for support navigating shiny object culture? Book a connection call and I’ll help you do some prioritizing.

Q: What can women do to build their credibility at conferences?

List your credentials! And insist people use them!

There is nothing more painful to me than watching a conference presentation by a woman with her doctorate and seeing her be introduced by her first name, or not seeing that PhD, EdD, JD, etc after her name on the slides.

If you’ve earned those letters, put them everywhere! On your nametag. Your slides. Your bio. LinkedIn. That’s not something to be humble about - it’s a huge accomplishment and you deserve to be recognized for it.

For the emcees out there: when you are introducing a woman with a doctorate on stage, call her Dr. so-and-so. No matter how well you know her, if you taught her as a student, if she’s your best friend. In that moment the best thing you can do for her is to remind the audience of her badassery. Calling her by her first name shows you are close to her, sure. But it’s an ego stroke for you and it’s diminishing. Calling her by her title is for her. It lifts her up. It’s your job as an emcee to make her and the event look good, not yourself.