The Hidden Advantage of Embracing Your Constraints with AI

Picture this: Your dinner plate is already full. Someone comes along and says, "Here, try this amazing new dish, just squeeze it on there somewhere."

That's exactly what's happening to Chief Transformation Officers and CIOs across every enterprise I walk into.

The board has mandated five strategic priorities. The CEO adds one more in response to market changes. The executive leadership team then throws in another for good measure.

Then AI arrives.

And instead of replacing a priority, it gets stacked on top.

I've seen this dynamic play out in boardrooms from Fortune 100s to mid-market companies. 

So, here's my advice to Chief Transformation Officers and Chief Information Officers:

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Try not to bite off more than you can chew.

We have limitations. That’s a fact. In resources. In tech debt. In data quality. And you can only go as far as these constraints allow you to go.

Think big about the possibilities, but start small with what you can actually execute.

The idea that you're going to transform your entire organization – or even a whole function – with AI is unrealistic if you're not willing to let other priorities drop off your plate because of the focus it requires. 

Something has to give to make room for something new.

The magic happens when you acknowledge your constraints upfront:

It begins with knowing your limits:

• What resources do you actually have available?

• What's your current tech and data infrastructure reality?

• How much bandwidth does your team genuinely possess?

Next, make srategic choices:

• Which existing priorities could be paused or reduced?

• What would need to come off your plate to make room for AI?

• Where can AI enhance what you're already doing instead of adding new work?

Remember: Your constraints aren't limitations, they're your roadmap to focused success.

→ Think big about the transformation potential. 

→ Start small with what you can actually execute. 

→ Then decide if you're going to scale quickly based on real results, not projected dreams.

Because in the post-AI world, the winners aren't the ones who do everything at once. They're the ones who do the right things exceptionally well.

What's your take on strategic priority overload? How are you making room for AI without breaking your team?

Until next time,

Sol

Every Friday morning, I deliver 1 actionable insight to help you navigate the post-AI landscape, simplifying complex transitions into a clear path for business impact. You can click here to subscribe.