Issue No.15: What is a Hype or a Trend?
& You control your vulnerability
As individuals and organisations we don’t operate in isolation. We are influenced and impacted by hypes and trends, which we need to keep an eye on and pay attention to.
We need to know the key differences between what are hypes and trends, to ensure we make the right decisions. Whilst neither is better than the other and both can play a role in your strategy, knowing the differences will ensure we take the right approach.
So, what are the differences between the two?
Hypes are:
New and exciting
Overestimated with too much attention
Short-lived peaks with little impact
Unpredictable and risky to rely on
Asking for a fast and first-mover reaction
Seized by “experts” popping up everywhere
A potential source of temporary peak success
In contrast, trends are:
Boring and seemingly repetitive
Underestimated and potentially going unnoticed
Creating lasting impact and real change
Relatively predictable and reliable
Asking for a solid and fundamental response
Seized by few competent experts gaining position
A potential source of longer-term consistent success.
What are some questions you can ask to understand this topic further?
Initially, decide which space you want to play in; do you want to follow short-window, peak hypes or consistent, long-term trends.
Once this is decided, you can then identify what are the key hypes or trends that influence you or that you can embrace.
You can then use the hype cycle idea to assess where they should be positioned on the cycle. Gartner has a lot of further resources on this.
Finally, you can define your response. What will the strategy and actions be to either seize the opportunities or undo the possible associated threats?
Whilst being aware of hypes and trends I don’t believe is novel, considering them more strategically and the control you have over them, is an empowering concept.
You control your vulnerability
Episode 3 of Chewing Over High Performance is released this week and I think this is a great clip of the conversation I had with Dan Howells around Leadership and Learning.
The topic of vulnerability I think is particularly interesting. It isn’t a weakness. I also think it becomes very fascinating when we consider how conscious we are of vulnerability and its role in growth and development.
How conscious are you about being vulnerable to achieve growth?
If you enjoyed this content then feel free to share widely. If you have any questions or thoughts then I am always open to conversations and opportunities.
Many thanks for reading! Nic