The Phenomenon of Collision with Reality
The phenomenon of "Collision with Reality" has a name “The Carnoustie Effect is the degree of mental and psychic shock experienced on collision with reality by those whose expectations are founded on false assumptions.” The phrase emerged after the 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie, when the world’s best players, many of whom were used to manicured and relatively windless courses, were frustrated by the unexpected difficulties of the Carnoustie links golf course. On the other hand, the 'local players' faced no such difficulty since it was 'normal' for them. This being a psychological term, it applies to disillusionment in any area of life, not just golf. I came across the term "CARNOUSTIE Effect" back in 2021 and it keeps coming back to me in different contexts time and again. In fact, it is a remarkably accurate description of what happens to Leaders and Founders. A senior hire looks ideal. A team is assumed to be aligned. A new market seems...