Our Visionary is pushing us to include massive AI milestones in our 3 Year Picture on the V/TO, but the technology changes every month. How do we set realistic, grounded operational targets for AI three years out?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Your 3 Year Picture is designed to paint a clear, inspiring portrait of where your business is going, but it must remain grounded in reality. Including specific, fast changing AI technologies in a three year forecast is a recipe for frustration.

Instead of listing specific AI tools or software versions on your V/TO, focus on the operational outcomes you want to achieve. For example, do not write implement a specific AI language model for client reports as a milestone. Instead, write reduce report preparation time by fifty percent while maintaining our high quality standards.

This focus keeps your team aimed at the operational target while leaving the specific technological choice flexible. If a better tool comes out next year, you can swap it in without altering your strategic direction. Your 3 Year Picture should define the destination, not the specific vehicle you use to get there. Keep your technology goals focused on capacity, margin improvement, and scaling capability. By keeping the V/TO focused on business results rather than tech trends, you prevent your team from chasing shiny objects and keep them focused on building a highly profitable, sustainable business.