In Greek mythology, the Sirens lured sailors with their beautiful, hypnotic song, leading them into a deadly trap. 🧜☠️

But we are not in the ancient Greece of Homer and Odysseus. 🏛️

We are in the very modern 21st century of AI, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Zhang Yiming, President Trump and his tariff strategies that are shaking the global economy… 😱

And this is today’s business leaders Odyssey:

Your organization stands at a critical crossroads. You face a complex scenario, an unfavorable economic context, and you’ve held countless high‑value discussions with your team. 📈💸

You’ve tried everything (or almost everything) and you feel time slipping away. 🧠🤷🏻⌚️🧨

You need solutions now. You need efficiency and speed. 🤓🚀 🫵

You decide to bring in a consultant who can see the game from the outside, with a fresh perspective—and start with a thorough diagnosis. 🔭💡🌈

They may even propose a change in mission or methodology. ⚙️

Fine.

But beware the Sirens’ Song. 🧜

In the business world, some consultants arrive with super‑efficient, quick‑to‑implement “recipes” that seem sensible in the short term—but that, in the medium and long term, can lead companies to ruin. 🤩😉🚀

They arrive singing the seductive song of immediate cuts: ✂️🪚

• Eliminate line items for innovation investments ❌💡⚙️

• Suspend training and development programs ❌ 🧪🔬

• Conduct mass layoffs or reassignments of key personnel ❌ 🧠❤️🥇

At first glance, these steps look appealing: fewer expenses today mean more liquidity tomorrow. 💵💴💶💷

You love the sleek presentation deck, the flawless Excel model. 

Everything sounds perfect. 👍💪

You’re thrilled to have cut costs in record time. 🤩

Your board applauds you. You’re a hero. 👏🏆❤️

The consultant cashes their fee and proudly departs. 🤑

Your company is no longer their concern (if it ever was). 🤷🏻

Sooner or later, you discover that:

1. One‑size‑fits‑all approach: That consultant uses the same standard package for every client, ignoring your business’s unique DNA. 👥👥👥

2. Talent loss: You viewed every headcount as a cost, never as an investment. Key talent walks out the door—and walks into your competitor’s camp. 🧠💸👺😏

3. Negative multiplier effects: Once the cutting spiral begins, continuing seems necessary to stay within budget, causing further damage. 💥

4. Cultural deterioration: Fear and mistrust cripple morale, commitment, and motivation.😞💔👎

5. Your people operate in panic mode, and your ROI and operating income plummet. 💸📈 (see my article "Build To Win").

6. Eroded capabilities: Slashing R&D and talent development fragments your competitive edge. ❌🧠💡💪 🩼

7. Damaged networks: Relationships with clients, suppliers, partners—and even your broader industry network—unravel. Those favors you’ll need later evaporate. ❌🤝

8. Diluted value: Your value proposition and market equity erode so quickly you’ll need twice or three times as long to rebuild. 👎📈

I’ve witnessed this disaster unfold many times. And no, it’s not just a plot twist in Succession. 🎥🖥️

Sure, sometimes you need to sprint. Good.

But if you have a clear vision and mission, remember: business is Always a Marathon.

Hire a consultant who understands the value of your vision, mission, and organizational DNA 🧬💎

One who offers:

• 3–5 year impact analysis: Project medium‑term benefits and costs before cutting. ✅

• Selective vs. indiscriminate investment: Pinpoint strategic areas where spending truly fuels growth. ✅

• Human capital evaluation: Recognize your team’s real value and their contribution—AI’s impact included. ✅

A great consultant wants your medium‑ and long‑term success to showcase a winning case study in their portfolio.

Your success is their success. 🥇🏆❤️

Listen to strategic partners who build to adapt and generate new business. 🧱⚙️💰

The Sirens’ Song may come disguised as spreadsheets promising immediate savings. 📊🧜

But to avoid shipwreck, question simplistic recipes, rigorously assess future impact, and strike a balance between efficiency and sustainability. ☯️

Are you ready to defy the seductive song and craft a plan that strengthens your company for the long haul?

Don’t heed the Sirens’ Song of the season. ❌🧜

It’s expensive.

Sometimes, fatally so. ☠️

Let’s be GREAT & GOOD. ❤️🧠