Leadership in Action: Dividends and Interest - Connected Leadership: Fad or Useful Framework?

FALSE HOPES

Danny Miller and Jon Hartwick looked at articles in professional journals over a seventeen-year period in order to identify and study business fads and discovered that most fads share certain qualities. Fads tend to be simple, often framed with buzzwords and acronyms. They are prescriptive and tell managers what to do. Many are falsely encouraging, raising hopes beyond the reality of the movement. Often they suggest a one-size-fits-all mentality. They tend to tap into the issue of the day, taking advantage of the current buzz. They are legitimized by gurus and disciples, and these individuals are often used to market and hype the movement. These very qualities that initially help fads to catch on eventually contribute to their downfall, ...