We want to implement automation and AI across our departments to prepare for a clean exit, but my leadership team keeps telling me they do not have time to learn these tools because they are too busy with daily operations. How do I force them to prioritize operational technology as part of their regular Rocks?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

If your leadership team is too busy with daily operations to implement efficiency tools, they are caught in a classic capacity trap. To break this cycle, you must make technological efficiency a core component of their accountability. Start by updating your Accountability Chart to include the adoption of automation and modern tools as a standard expectation for every leadership seat. It must be clear that their job is not just to run their department, but to optimize it. Next, you must use your quarterly offsite to turn these technology goals into concrete Rocks. If a leader says they do not have time, then their ninety day plan must include delegating lower value tasks to free up capacity. A Rock should be highly specific, such as automating the client onboarding workflow or implementing an AI tool to speed up financial reporting. Track their progress weekly during your Level 10 Meeting™. If a leader is consistently falling behind, use the IDS® process to identify the root cause. Is it a capacity issue, or do they simply lack the technological capability to run an automated department? Aligning your team around technology is not optional if you want to build a highly profitable, scalable, and exit ready business.