Most Companies Don’t Need an AI Strategy — They Need a Strategy, Period.
The term “AI strategy” has become a buzzword, often touted as the ultimate solution to organizational challenges. However, here’s the uncomfortable truth: most companies never had a real strategy to begin with. They’ve relied on annual budgeting, some OKRs, generic vision statements, and PowerPoint decks that no one reads. Simply slapping “AI” onto these frameworks won’t fix the underlying misalignment.
AI Won’t Save You If Your Foundation is Weak
AI is not a magic wand that can save a company that:
- Makes slow decisions
- Rewards politics over performance
- Refuses to kill dead products
- Is allergic to experimentation
- Doesn’t know what value it creates
Before you dive into questions about “How do we adopt AI?”, consider this: If we could 10x our speed, clarity, and execution, would anyone even notice?
Amplifying Your Current State
AI amplifies whatever foundation you already have. If your organization is disorganized, AI will create chaos. Conversely, if you are strategic and well-organized, AI can help you achieve dominance in your market. Therefore, the focus should not be solely on adopting AI technologies but rather on building a robust organizational strategy that can effectively integrate AI.
Don’t Expect AI to Fix Poor Leadership
Many leaders mistakenly believe that AI can rectify the inadequacies of their management practices. The reality is that AI cannot fix what leadership never built. It’s crucial for organizations to first establish clarity in their vision and strategy before layering in advanced technologies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, organizations should not rush into developing an “AI strategy.” Instead, they should focus on creating a well-defined organizational strategy that sets the stage for successful AI integration. By doing so, companies can leverage AI as a powerful tool to enhance their operations rather than relying on it to solve deep-rooted issues.
Ultimately, it’s not about having an AI strategy; it’s about having a strategy, period.