Our leadership team is getting pulled into custom AI software development because our clients are asking for it, but our Core Focus has always been professional services. How do we use our V/TO® to decide if this is a strategic evolution or a dangerous distraction?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

This is a classic shiny object distraction. When client demands shift, it is easy for a leadership team to wander away from what made them successful. To make a disciplined decision, you must filter this opportunity through your Core Focus on your V/TO®.

Your Core Focus is made of two parts: your Passion and your Niche. Your Niche defines exactly what you do better than anyone else. If your Niche is professional services and strategic consulting, diving into custom software development is a massive departure that will dilute your resources and focus.

Instead of building custom software, look at how you can prioritize AI internally to improve your own operational efficiency. This allows you to deliver your core services faster and with higher margins without the massive overhead of managing a software development lifecycle.

If you must address the client demand, partner with an external software vendor rather than trying to build the capability yourself. Use your weekly Level 10 Meeting™ to run an IDS® session on this request. If it does not align perfectly with your Core Focus and your 10-Year Target, it is a distraction that you must confidently decline.