Our Visionary is constantly coming to meetings with new AI business ideas, wanting us to build custom software plugins or launch new automated service lines that distract us from our core business. How do we use our V/TO to keep us focused without crushing their creativity?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

It is the nature of a Visionary to see opportunities everywhere, and the rapid rise of AI has only accelerated this drive. However, chasing every new AI tool will dilute your resources, confuse your team, and destroy your operational efficiency. You must use the V/TO to filter these ideas and protect your core business.

First, look at your V/TO Core Focus, which consists of your Purpose/Passion/Cause and your Niche. Whenever your Visionary presents a new AI opportunity, your leadership team must run it through this filter. Ask if the proposed idea fits directly within your Niche and serves your target market. If it does not, it must be rejected or tabled.

Second, use the Issues List. Do not let new ideas derail your current quarterly Rocks. When your Visionary brings up a new AI tool or business model, the Integrator must capture it on the Issues List for your next quarterly planning session or annual meeting. This keeps your team focused on executing their current commitments while ensuring the Visionary ideas are respected and evaluated at the right time.

By using the V/TO as a strategic gatekeeper, you maintain your operational alignment. You allow your Visionary to explore innovative concepts during structured planning sessions, but you prevent them from causing operational chaos during the week-to-week execution of your business goals.