The Innovation Symmetry Fallacy

"AI evolves at the same pace across all business functions."

Sounds logical.

Feels intuitive.

Is dangerously wrong.

In reality, AI advances asymmetrically, creating organizational whiplash.

• •Marketing can generate content at scale, but it can't craft a brand story.
• •HR can screen 1,000 resumes in seconds, but it struggles to identify cultural fit.
• •Finance can automate forecasts, but it can't manage capital allocation.
• •Ops can optimize workflows, but it falters in real-world disruptions.
• •Product can summarize feedback, but it can't prioritize the roadmap.

This asymmetry exists wherever:

• •Data is scarce or unstructured
• •Feedback loops require human judgment
• •Business context shifts rapidly

The result?

A lopsided organization.

Part of it is racing ahead.

The rest is stuck behind.

When leaders assume symmetry, they:

• •Spread resources too thin
• •Force AI adoption where the tech isn't ready
• •Miss high-impact opportunities already hiding in plain sight

What high-performing teams do instead:

• •Identify their "AI velocity zones"
• •Redesign processes from the ground up
• •Build thoughtful handoffs between fast and slow domains

The best AI strategy isn't about broad coverage.

It's about smart sequencing.

Stop asking: "Where could we use AI?"

Start asking: "Where is AI already moving fast and how do we restructure around it?"