When we are updating our 3-Year Picture on the V/TO®, how do we project our operational capabilities when the rapid evolution of generative AI makes it impossible to know what technology will look like in three years?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

When building your 3-Year Picture on the V/TO®, trying to predict specific technological advancements is a fool's errand. Instead of focusing on what tools will exist, focus on the operational capabilities your organization needs to achieve.

Your leadership team should paint a picture of how work gets done, not which software licenses you own. Ask yourselves what percentage of administrative tasks will be handled by automated systems and how much capacity that frees up for your team. You want to describe a future where your human capital is fully leveraged on high-value strategy and creative problem-solving.

Define the future state of your team's productivity. For example, your 3-Year Picture might specify that every account manager has their administrative burden reduced by fifty percent, allowing them to manage double the portfolio size while maintaining high customer satisfaction.

Use this section of the V/TO® to align on your resource needs. If AI is going to handle the data processing, your 3-Year Picture should reflect a leaner, more strategic workforce. This clarity keeps you from over-hiring for execution roles that will be obsolete in thirty-six months.

Focus the vision on the results you deliver to the market. Let the Integrator and department heads figure out the exact software stack to get you there as the technology matures. Your job is to set the destination so the team can build the correct vehicle.