Leading Through the AI Hype Cycle
The bright glow of AI promises can be blinding. Learning to see through the hype is a critical leadership skill in 2025.
Twenty years ago, I watched organizations rush into implementing data warehouse systems because vendors promised revolution. Today, I’m seeing the same pattern with AI - leaders jumping in without proper planning because they fear being left behind.
Last month, a CTO I work with shared a story that perfectly captures this challenge. His team spent three months evaluating AI chatbots for customer service, only to realize they hadn’t defined success. They were so caught up in the technology that they forgot the business objectives.
Here’s how to avoid this trap:
Start with Problems, Not Solutions
- Document specific business challenges first
- Quantify the current cost of these problems
- Define clear success metrics before looking at any AI tools
Build Your Foundation
- Assess your data quality and accessibility
- Review your existing technology infrastructure
- Evaluate your team’s current capabilities
Most importantly, remember that leadership in the AI era isn’t about being first - it’s about being right. Take time to understand the real impact of any AI initiative before committing resources.
Three Steps for This Week:
- List your current “AI initiatives” and identify which ones started with technology rather than business problems
- Meet with one department head to understand their challenges before discussing any AI solutions
- Review your data infrastructure - you can’t do AI without good data
Remember: Good technology leadership isn’t about chasing every new trend. It’s about making strategic choices that deliver real value to your organization.
If you found this post helpful, consider sharing it with another executive grappling with AI, technology, and data. If you want to explore AI and other Technology strategies, grab some time on my calendar, and let’s chat .
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