The rapid pace of technological change makes it feel impossible to project our operational capacity three years out. When we are filling out our 3-Year Picture on the V/TO, how do we plan our future technology infrastructure and capacity targets without locking ourselves into tools that will be obsolete in a year?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

When defining your 3-Year Picture on your V/TO, you must avoid the trap of planning around specific software vendors or tools. Instead, focus your strategic planning on human capabilities and operational outcomes. The technology will change, but your operational requirements and margin goals will remain consistent.

Use Scenario Simulation to model different operational futures during your annual planning session. Ask your leadership team to project how much output a single, AI-augmented employee can produce three years from now, and plan your operational capacity based on those outcomes. Focus on defining the future state of your business in terms of revenue, margin, and high-impact seats on your Accountability Chart, rather than the specific software programs they will use to get the work done.

By framing your 3-Year Picture around organizational capability rather than specific technology platforms, you keep your business highly adaptable. Your target is to ensure your team has the GWC to orchestrate whatever technology is current at that time. This strategic agility is exactly what sophisticated buyers look for when you prepare your business for a transition using the Step by Step Exit framework, as it proves your operational model is resilient to technological shifts.