The technology-first trap

You've probably seen some version of this sequence:

1. A leader sees a compelling demonstration.
2. The company asks where the tool could be used.
3. Teams produce a long list of possibilities.
4. A few pilots begin because they're visible or easy to start.
5. Adoption varies, measures remain vague, and ownership moves around.
6. Nobody can say with much confidence whether the effort created value.

The trouble starts with the second step. Once the tool becomes the fixed point, people begin reshaping the business question to fit it. It's easy to stay busy that way.

Give the team a different starting point: understand what needs to improve, find what is getting in the way, and consider which capabilities could help. Keep more than one approach open. That leaves you free to use AI where it earns a place and to choose something else where it doesn't.