1. Innovation Trigger: This is where it all begins – a new technology or idea emerges, creating excitement and grabbing considerable attention in the industry. You should closely monitor these emerging technologies. They present an opportunity for you to stay ahead of your competitors and gain a competitive edge. However, be cautious and do not rush into making major investments, as these technologies are still unproven.
2. Peak of Inflated Expectations: During this stage, the technology experiences a peak of publicity and enthusiasm. You will see unrealistic expectations and extravagant claims about the technology’s capabilities. You must separate hype from reality and conduct a thorough evaluation of the technology’s potential for your specific organisations needs.
3. Trough of Disillusionment: Following the peak of inflated expectations, the technology inevitably fails to meet these unrealistic expectations, leading to a dip in enthusiasm and widespread disillusionment. You might be tempted to abandon the technology altogether due to disappointment or lack of immediate returns. However, this phase presents an opportunity for careful assessment and learning. You should critically evaluate the reasons for the technology’s shortcomings and identify areas for improvement.
4. Slope of Enlightenment: In this stage, the technology begins to mature, and a better understanding of its applications and limitations emerges. You should actively seek out success stories and learn from early adopters to identify ways to integrate the technology effectively into your own operations. It is also a good time to start making more significant investments in the technology, as risks are better understood, and the potential for positive outcomes is higher.
5. Plateau of Productivity: At this final stage, the technology has reached maturity and becomes an integral part of many businesses’ operations. Now, you can confidently make strategic decisions about widespread adoption and resource allocation. The technology has proven its value and stability, offering you a competitive advantage.
My advice, if you are leading technical teams, is to make sure you are closely tracking emerging technologies in the Innovation Trigger phase. This is where innovation and new thinking will emerge.
Invest resources and money into the one or two technologies which present the greatest benefit to your organisation, then hold your nerve through the Trough of Disillusionment until the value is realised. It’s this phase where it’s all to easy to become distracted by new technologies reaching the Peak of Inflated Expectations – you must remain focused!
Hopefully this helps you refine your SRE strategy for success over the remainder of 2023!
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