How do we write a realistic 3-Year Picture in our V/TO when AI technology is changing so fast that we cannot predict next year, let alone three years out?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Many leadership teams get paralyzed trying to predict specific technology trends for their 3-Year Picture. This is a mistake. The goal of the 3-Year Picture in your V/TO is to define what your business looks like, not what the tech landscape looks like. You do not need to predict the exact software; you need to define your capability.

Focus on the business outcomes you want to achieve. How will AI change your target revenue, profit margins, and geographic reach? In three years, your operational costs per unit should be lower and your delivery times faster. Describe that future state. For example, instead of naming a specific AI platform, write that your business will have automated client onboarding and an AI-assisted service delivery department.

Keep the focus on how your organization operates. Your 3-Year Picture should paint a clear portrait of an agile company that has successfully decoupled headcount growth from revenue growth. Trust that your team will solve the technology puzzle year by year through quarterly Rocks. By focusing on the structural and financial goals rather than fleeting software tools, you maintain a steady strategic direction regardless of how the technology evolves.