The New Shiny Thing
The New Shiny Thing
In dealerships, leaders are constantly looking for ways to improve performance, increase CSI scores, and boost profitability. In that pursuit, it’s easy to be drawn to “the new shiny thing”—a promising new hire, an innovative process, or the latest technology that promises quick results.
The initial excitement is contagious. Teams are optimistic, expectations are high, and it feels like this one change will be the solution. But as time goes on, interest fades, execution slips, and the anticipated results never materialize.
Before long, the shiny object is abandoned, and the dealership finds itself right back where it started—only now with a more skeptical and disengaged team.
Why Leaders Fall Into the Trap
Leaders don’t chase shiny objects intentionally. They’re often motivated by a desire to improve, but without a clear plan for follow-through, new ideas become distractions rather than solutions. The most common reasons include:
The Search for a Quick Win
Under pressure to hit monthly targets, leaders often seek solutions that promise rapid improvements. A new hire or process feels like a shortcut to success.Attraction to Novelty
New initiatives bring fresh energy and excitement, but without a solid foundation and accountability, that excitement is short-lived.Avoidance of Hard Work
True, lasting change takes discipline, consistent effort, and a shift in culture. It’s not flashy, and it takes time—making it less appealing than a quick fix.
The Hidden Costs of Chasing Shiny Objects
When leaders jump from one new idea to the next, it creates instability across the dealership.
Inconsistent Processes: Employees struggle to adapt when processes and priorities constantly shift.
Low Morale and Buy-In: When teams see new initiatives abandoned, they stop believing in future changes.
Wasted Resources: Time, money, and energy are invested in ideas that never fully take root.
Over time, this cycle erodes trust and makes it harder to gain team buy-in for future initiatives—even when those ideas have real potential.
The Solution: Focus, Commit, and Follow Through
Sustainable success in a dealership doesn’t come from chasing trends. It comes from focusing on what matters, committing fully, and following through consistently.
Evaluate Carefully: Before introducing new ideas, assess whether they align with long-term goals and whether the team has the capacity to implement them effectively.
Commit Fully: Once a decision is made, set clear expectations, timelines, and success metrics. Half-hearted implementation almost always leads to failure.
Follow Through Relentlessly: Change takes time. Leaders who stick with their initiatives and refine them over time create lasting, measurable results.
Breaking the Cycle
If your dealership is stuck in a pattern of constantly chasing new ideas without seeing meaningful results, it’s time to shift the focus. Sustainable growth comes from discipline, consistency, and accountability—not from chasing the next shiny thing.