You’ve heard the simile “like a moth to a flame” to describe succumbing to the irresistible pull of something that could be harmful.

Various theories exist about why a moth actually flies toward a light. Some scientists believe that moths mistake a flame or a porch light bulb for the sun and use it for orientation in the dark. Others speculate that the moth confuses a light in the darkness as the morning light and hurries toward it in order to find a place to hide itself from the daylight. Another hypothesis is that moths fly through a flame because they want to get to a light on the other side of it.

As thought leaders, you have to be on guard against being attracted to “bright” ideas that may appear to be of value but actually aren’t. When you’re out ahead of the pack, it may not be so easy to resist the flame of the “new.” Are you appropriately cautious as you approach hot topics to make sure you’re being drawn to the best idea, not just the newest, brightest idea? Ask, assess, then act. We’re here to help.