We want to standardize our core operational processes using AI-driven automation, but my leadership team members each have their own pet ways of doing things and are quietly resisting a single, company-wide standard. How do we get our department heads to agree on and document our core processes so we can automate them efficiently?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Automating messy processes with AI only creates automated mess. Before you can implement any advanced technology, your leadership team must align on a single, standardized way of operating. This requires executing the Documented and Followed by All step of the EOS® Process.

Start by listing your core operational processes on your Accountability Chart. Assign clear ownership of each process to a specific leadership seat. The head of sales owns the sales process, the head of operations owns the fulfillment process, and so on.

Next, force your leaders to document their respective processes using the 20/80 rule. Document only the major steps that get eighty percent of the results. This prevents your highly analytical leaders from getting bogged down in endless detail.

Once documented, use your weekly Level 10 Meeting™ to resolve any cross-functional friction. If the operations leader disagrees with how sales inputs customer data, use the IDS® process to resolve it. Do not allow any exceptions. Once aligned, every team member must follow the standard process. Only when your core processes are consistently followed by all can you safely and successfully layer on AI-driven automation tools.