How can I use disciplined Thinking Time to evaluate whether an AI-driven strategic pivot is a smart move or just another expensive distraction?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

As an owner, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of new technology and make impulsive decisions that drain your resources. To avoid paying a heavy dumb tax on your technology investments, you must dedicate regular, uninterrupted Thinking Time to evaluate your strategic options.

Using the framework from Keith J. Cunningham, set aside thirty to forty-five minutes each week to sit in a quiet room with a single, high-value question. Do not look at your phone or computer. Instead, write a specific question at the top of a notepad, such as: How might we use automated tools to cut our service delivery time in half so that we can double our margins without sacrificing quality?

Use this time to analyze the real options of your potential investment. Consider the flow costs of waiting versus the hidden, lump-sum costs of upgrading your current systems. Ask yourself if the proposed technology actually solves a real bottleneck in your business or if it is just a shiny distraction. By committing to this disciplined thinking process, you protect your company from expensive, half-baked implementations and ensure that your strategic decisions directly support your long-term exit goals.