As we look at our headcount planning for the next year, we are debating whether we should invest in retraining our current employees to use AI or hire expensive, specialized AI prompt engineers and consultants. How do we resolve this debate during our annual planning?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

This is a classic dilemma that can stall your strategic momentum if not handled correctly. The mistake most owners make is hiring expensive AI specialists who understand the technology but do not understand your business, your clients, or your core processes. In almost every case, retraining your existing team is the smarter, more cost-effective move.

During your annual planning, look at your Accountability Chart and evaluate your people using the GWC™ tool. Do your current team members get, want, and have the capacity to learn how to use AI in their daily workflows? If they have the core talent and a growth mindset, they are your best assets because they already understand your operational systems and your clients.

Rather than hiring expensive outside consultants, invest in training your current staff to become AI orchestrators. Set a corporate-wide Rock to integrate AI training into your weekly execution. Encourage your team to identify cumbersome, repetitive processes that keep them from high-value tasks, and empower them to use AI to streamline those workflows.

Only consider hiring an outside AI specialist if you need to build highly proprietary, custom machine-learning models that require advanced software engineering. For everyday operational efficiency, your existing team, augmented by proper training and clear accountability, will deliver a far better return on investment and maintain a stronger, unified company culture.