How do we construct a realistic 3-Year Picture in our V/TO if we do not even know what AI technology will look like eighteen months from now?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

The rapid pace of technological development makes many owners feel like planning three years ahead is a waste of time. However, your V/TO 3-Year Picture should not focus on specific software tools or temporary technological trends. Instead, it should focus on the operational capabilities, margins, and headcount of your business.

When you sit down with your leadership team to build your 3-Year Picture, ask yourself what your business looks like when it is fully optimized. Focus on the core numbers: your target revenue, your profit margins, and the physical size of your team. Artificial intelligence is simply a tool to help you achieve those metrics with greater efficiency. For example, if you aim to double your revenue in three years, you might plan to do so with only a ten percent increase in headcount, using automation to handle the extra volume.

Paint a clear picture of what your team is doing day-to-day. In three years, your employees should be focused on high-value strategy and customer relationships, while routine administrative tasks are automated. This keeps your long-term vision clear and actionable without tying you to a specific software package that might become obsolete next year. Keep your eyes on the strategic destination, and let your quarterly Rocks dictate the specific tools you use to get there.