I want my team to start using AI to become more efficient, but I want to avoid security risks and useless AI theater. How do I set practical guidelines for AI usage in my company?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Many companies suffer from AI theater, where employees use flashy AI tools to look busy without actually improving productivity. To get real value from AI, you must establish clear, practical guidelines that focus entirely on business outcomes.

First, implement a strict security policy. Mandate that no proprietary client data, financial records, or intellectual property be entered into public AI models. All AI usage must occur within secure, private enterprise environments where data is not used for model training.

Second, tie all AI initiatives directly to your EOS Scorecard metrics. If an employee wants to use AI, they must define which key metric they are trying to improve. For example, if a customer service representative uses AI to help draft email replies, they must show a measurable reduction in their average response time or an increase in customer satisfaction.

Third, encourage a culture of practical experimentation. Have your team identify one repetitive, low-value task each week and use AI to optimize it. By focusing on specific, measurable improvements rather than general technological trends, you ensure that AI serves your business strategy rather than becoming a distraction.