Every time we discuss AI in our quarterly planning sessions, we get bogged down in technical jargon and end up setting overly complex Rocks that fail to cross the finish line. How do we apply the discipline of execution to keep our AI operational goals simple and realistic?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Many leadership teams fall in love with the idea of AI and set massive, vague Rocks that sound impressive but lead to zero operational traction. They treat AI as a strategy instead of a tool. To get real results, you must apply the strict discipline of execution to every tech project.

Start by filtering every proposed AI initiative through your V/TO®. Ask yourself if this technology directly supports your 1-Year Plan or your 3-Year Picture. If it does not, push it to your long-term Issues List and keep your focus on your immediate priorities.

When you do decide to move forward, write the Rock using SMART criteria. Instead of setting a vague goal like implement AI in customer service, make it specific: automate seventy percent of initial support triage with a ninety percent accuracy rate by the end of this quarter.

Assign this Rock to a single seat on your Accountability Chart. This person is fully accountable for the delivery of the project. If they hit technical roadblocks, they must bring them to the weekly Level 10 Meeting™ so the team can use the IDS® process to solve them quickly, keeping the project on track.