What Might Be Next In The AI systems
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AI Roadmap Workbook for Non-Technical Business Leaders
A straightforward, no-jargon workbook showing how AI can truly benefit your business — and where it may not be useful.
The Dev Guys – Mumbai — Think deeply. Build simply. Ship fast.
Why This Workbook Exists
Modern business leaders face pressure to adopt AI strategies. AI discussions are happening everywhere—from vendors to competitors. But many non-technical leaders are caught between extremes:
• Saying “yes” to every vendor or internal idea, hoping some of it will succeed.
• Saying “no” to everything because it feels risky or confusing.
It provides a third, smarter path — a clear, grounded way to find genuine AI opportunities.
You don’t have to be technical; you just need to know your operations well. AI is only effective when built on your existing processes.
How to Use This Workbook
Either fill it solo or discuss it collaboratively. It’s not about completion — it’s about clarity. By the end, you’ll have:
• A short list of meaningful AI opportunities tied to profit or efficiency.
• Understanding of where AI should not be used.
• A clear order of initiatives instead of scattered trials.
Think of it as a guide, not a form. Your AI plan should be simple enough to explain in one meeting.
AI strategy is just business strategy — minus the buzzwords.
Step One — Focus on Business Goals
Focus on Goals Before Tools
Too often, leaders ask about tools instead of outcomes — that’s the wrong start. Start with measurable goals that truly impact your business.
Ask:
• Which few outcomes will define success this year?
• Where are mistakes common or workloads heavy?
• Which decisions are delayed because information is hard to find?
AI matters when it affects measurable outcomes like profit or efficiency. Only link AI to real, trackable business metrics.
Start here, and you’ll invest in leverage — not novelty.
Step 2 — See the Work
Map Workflows, Not Tools
Before deciding where AI fits, observe how work really flows — not how it’s described in meetings. Pose one question: “What happens between X starting and Y completing?”.
Examples include:
• Lead comes in ? assigned ? follow-up ? quote ? revision ? close/lost.
• Support ticket ? triaged ? answered ? escalated ? resolved.
• Invoice generated ? sent ? reminded ? paid.
Each step has three parts: inputs, actions, outputs. AI adds value where MVP Building inputs are messy, actions are repetitive, and outputs are predictable.
Step 3 — Prioritise
Assess Opportunities with a Clear Framework
Evaluate AI ideas using a simple impact vs effort grid.
Use a mental 2x2 chart — impact vs effort.
• Quick Wins — high impact, low effort.
• Reserve resources for strategic investments.
• Minor experiments — do only if supporting larger goals.
• Avoid for Now — low impact, high effort.
Consider risk: some actions are reversible, others are not.
Begin with low-risk, high-impact projects that build confidence.
Balancing Systems and People
Fix the Foundations Before You Blame the Model
Without clean systems, AI will mirror your chaos. Ask yourself: Is the data 70–80% complete? Are processes well defined?.
Keep Humans in Control
Let AI assist, not replace, your team. Over time, increase automation responsibly.
The 3 Classic Mistakes
Avoid the Three AI Traps for Non-Tech Leaders
01. The Shiny Demo Trap — getting impressed by flashy demos with no purpose.
02. The Pilot Problem — learning without impact.
03. The Automation Mirage — expecting overnight change.
Fewer, focused projects with clear owners and goals beat scattered enthusiasm.
Collaborating with Tech Teams
Frame problems, don’t build algorithms. Focus on measurable results, not buzzwords. Share messy data and edge cases so tech partners understand reality. Agree on success definitions and rollout phases.
Request real-world results, not sales pitches.
Evaluating AI Health
Indicators of a Balanced AI Plan
Your AI plan fits on one business slide.
Your focus remains on business, not tools.
Finance understands why these projects exist.
Quick AI Validation Guide
Before any project, confirm:
• Which business metric does this improve?
• Which workflow is involved, and can it be described simply?
• Do we have data and process clarity?
• Where will humans remain in control?
• What is the 3-month metric?
• What’s the fallback insight?
Conclusion
Good AI brings order, not confusion. It’s not a list of tools — it’s an execution strategy. True AI integration supports your business invisibly. Report this wiki page