A recent survey offers insight into the characteristics that differentiate AI overperformers--companies that are realizing the most return on investment from their AI initiatives. Elite athletes know that in order to perform on the field, they must lay the groundwork--through proper nutrition, good sleep, and strength training. As more companies adopt AI technologies, they are quickly learning the same lesson: To get a big return from AI, they should first put in the work. How can CIOs and their C-suite counterparts prepare for effective AI adoption? A recent benchmarking study from the research firm ESI ThoughtLab, cosponsored by Deloitte LLP, offers some answers.