The technology-first trap

Technology-first work often follows a familiar pattern:

1. A leader sees a compelling demonstration.
2. The company asks where the tool could be used.
3. Teams generate a long list of possibilities.
4. A few pilots begin because they are visible or easy.
5. Adoption varies, the measures are vague, and ownership moves around.
6. The organization cannot say whether the work created value.

The mistake occurs in step two. “Where can we use this?” makes the tool the fixed point and the business the variable.

Reverse it.

Ask what the business needs to improve, what is preventing that improvement, and what kind of capability could remove the constraint. AI may be part of the answer. It may be the wrong answer. You should be equally willing to discover either.