We have identified ten different operational areas where AI could save us time, but our leadership team is already stretched thin. How do we select and prioritize the right automation initiatives as quarterly Rocks without overwhelming our staff?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

The fastest way to stall your companys growth is to try to execute ten major initiatives at once. You must have the discipline to focus on what matters most. In EOS, we limit our quarterly focus to three to five Rocks for the leadership team. To select the right automation projects, you must run them through a rigorous IDS process during your quarterly planning session.

Start by using Keith Cunninghams Thinking Time to analyze the financial and operational impact of each proposed project. Do not focus on how shiny the technology is. Instead, ask: Which of these initiatives will solve our biggest operational bottleneck and deliver the highest return on our investment?

Convert your challenges into solvable questions. If your biggest bottleneck is client reporting, your Rock should be to automate that specific reporting workflow. Once you have identified the top one or two high-impact projects, assign them to specific owners on your Accountability Chart who have the GWC to run them. The remaining eight ideas must go back onto your long-term issues list on the V/TO. This keeps your team focused, prevents operational overwhelm, and ensures you are making steady, methodical progress toward your automated future.