Let’s face it, most companies don’t have a technology problem. They have a priorities problem.
One minute it’s a new CRM, the next it’s AI everything. Then someone on the board reads a fintech article and suddenly, there’s a rush to “reimagine” the customer experience without any plan to back it up. Sound familiar?
Welcome to the exhausting cycle of Shiny Object Syndrome (SOS). And while it might feel like progress, it’s usually just a fast lane to burn out, blown budgets, and technology investments that go nowhere and do not have a positive ROI.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Start With Business Goals, Not Tools
Technology should NEVER lead the conversation. Your business goals should.
Whether you’re trying to grow deposits, improve loan turnaround, or streamline operations, the right technology only matters after the destination is clear.
When leaders skip that step, they end up chasing tools instead of results. That’s where the real disconnect begins.
Shiny Objects = Broken Focus
The allure of new technology is real and so is the chaos it causes. Chasing the next big thing might feel like you’re staying ahead, but in reality, it creates churn. Teams lose clarity. Projects drag.
And your Information Technology team? They’re stuck duct-taping it all together.
Prioritization isn’t the enemy of innovation, it’s what enables it. Because when you have a clear line of sight on what really moves the needle, you can cut the fluff and go all-in where it counts.
Real Results Come From Ruthless Focus
While recently working in a fractional role with one regional bank, we killed half the “nice-to-have” features in their digital banking project.
Why? Because they didn’t move the dial. Instead, we focused on what customers actually cared about: performance, stability, and seamless login.
Result? We launched faster, under budget, and with happier customers.
That’s the power of focus.
The Fractional CIO Edge
A full-time CIO might not be in the cards or the budget. But that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. A Fractional CIO brings strategic horsepower without the full-time overhead.
More importantly, they’re not tied to internal politics or legacy thinking.
They align your technology or digital roadmaps with your business objectives. They shut down distractions. And they help you invest with purpose, not panic.
3 Moves for CEOs to Course Correct Today:
1. Define the “Why” Before the “What”: Tie every technology initiative to a business goal. No goal, no go.
2. Make Prioritization a Ritual: Regularly review and rank projects based on impact, not excitement.
3. Bring in Outside Perspective: A seasoned fractional leader can help cut through the noise and bring clarity fast.
The Wrap
Technology doesn’t create momentum, clarity does. When business goals lead the way, Information Technology becomes a multiplier instead of a money pit.
Chasing trends without strategy only leads to burnout and missed opportunities. But with focused leadership and clear priorities, you can turn technology into a true driver of growth.
It’s time to stop treating Information Technology like a cost center and start treating it like the growth engine it was meant to be.
Make technology a business enabler. That starts with priorities, not products.
Let’s leave the whiplash behind.
