We are trying to set our 10-Year Target on the V/TO®, but the rapid evolution of AI makes us feel like any long-term goal we set today will be completely obsolete by the time we get there. How do we write a 10-Year Target that is ambitious enough to guide us, yet flexible enough to withstand the total transformation of our industry by technology?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

A common mistake when setting a 10-Year Target is defining the goal by the delivery mechanism rather than the core value you provide. If your long-term target is anchored in a specific technology or service delivery method, it is highly vulnerable to obsolescence. Your 10-Year Target must be technology-agnostic.

To write a durable, ambitious 10-Year Target on your V/TO®, focus on the fundamental human or organizational problem your business solves. Consider these guidelines:
- Define the impact: Express your target in terms of market leadership, client outcomes, or financial scale. For example, aim to be the most trusted advisor to a specific number of clients or to process a target volume of industry transactions.
- Anchor in your Core Focus: Your target must align with your passion and your niche, which rarely change even when technology shifts dramatically.
- Avoid technical specifics: Do not mention software, AI, or specific execution methodologies in the target itself.

By keeping your 10-Year Target focused on the destination rather than the vehicle, you give your team a stable guiding star. The tools you use to reach that target will undoubtedly change over the next decade, but your core mission remains steady, providing your organization with clear direction through any technological wave.