How to recognise the symptoms of "Nodding Dog Syndrome"

aaaahhhh yessssss!!!

I have to credit a young colleague of mine for coining the phrase “Nodding Dog Syndrome” (well, it was the first time I heard it although it might not be original, he still deserves the credit) – which sums up a common scenario which I’m sure many of you will recognise - and now you can put a name to it

NDS is easy to spot and occurs under the following conditions: -

- Take a Trusted Technology Supplier, preferably one that has been incumbent for a couple of years
– Invite them into a strategy meeting where you are discussing your technology strategy plans for the next few years
– Allow them to contribute – give them free reign of course, don’t want to curb the “innovation” flow ………..

NOW – observe the symptoms of those afflicted with NDS while their eyes glaze over and they nod vigorously, agreeing with absolutely every single suggestion put forward by the supplier, no matter how unnecessary the proposed enhancements are. These symptoms normally continue long enough to ensure that the proposals make their way into the “future roadmap” as absolutely required and fully justified – even though the organisation may not be in a position to utilise many of them before the technology is redundant.

Oh, and not forgetting that one of the side effects of NDS may be an increase in staff attendance of Jonathan Palmer Racing days - courtesy of the “Trusted Technology Supplier” of course

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