Confusion about AI is everywhere, even in executive circles. I notice it when speaking at CEO roundtables and when talking with clients. The problem is that I see organizations jumping into solutions and tools before having a clear strategy.
The solution is to start with your strategic goals, then generate your options using four inter-connected lenses shown in the framework below.
If you want to know more about Planning Your AI Strategy Execution, join me next week for a one hour session on August 19th. If you haven’t yet registered, you can sign up here.
4 lenses to help us identify valuable AI
3 Practical Ways to Apply the 4 Lenses
Once your strategic goals are clear, then use the framework above to generate your AI menu of options.
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Start with the Jobs To Be Done lens
Identify the key jobs to be done in your business functions. Use these to pinpoint AI use cases and tools that deliver the most value. Start with a business lens (column 1), then check the technology lens (column 2) to ensure you haven’t missed important opportunities. -
Consider enablers
Identify the capabilities and supporting technologies needed to make AI work. The technologies particularly may overlap with some of our other ideas, but will ensures you’ve generated important areas to focus on for AI initiatives. -
Run experiments where many staff can be involved
Set up low-risk pilots where many staff can get involved in AI projects. Use cross-functional teams to share learnings and refine solutions.
This Culture-Friendly, open strategy approach is particularly important for AI implementation, given there is some fear of the change. Much of this stems from uncertainty about what it means in the future for jobs. By involving more of your staff, you can encourage them to build skills that will be important for their own future.
Whether you’re piloting AI or scaling it across your business, the four lenses give you a clear, practical way to choose what works for you, so that you can build AI momentum across your business. More about this approach in my AI masterclass next week, on August 19th.
“Life is a gift, but only if you receive it”
Henri Szeps OAM, much-loved Australian actor and comedian, who sadly passed away two weeks ago. His mischievous laugh brightened my father’s days in their dementia ward, even though words were beyond them both.
PS More Ways to Accelerate your Strategy
Looking to move your strategy forward? Lisa Carlin works with selected clients directly to go from strategy to plan to result. Email Lisa.
A bespoke in-house Bootcamp is the fastest way to learn. Get the skills your teams need to go from Strategy to Plan to Results. AI optional. Bootcamp info here.
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About Lisa Carlin
Lisa Carlin is a Strategy Execution Specialist. She works with business leaders to go from strategy to plan to result, in tough environments. Her clients love having her expertise and guidance to navigate their workplace culture and use AI to achieve success.
Lisa is author of the globally acclaimed newsletter, Turbocharge Weekly, read by 8,000 business leaders.
Lisa’s career includes roles at McKinsey and Accenture, then running her own business since 1999. Over this time she has delivered over 50 implementations with a 96% success rate.
PPS Planning your AI Strategy Execution
If you found this newsletter useful and want more insight, join my live Zoom session next week. I will share a 90 day roadmap to implementing AI in your business in a Culture-Friendly way.
Live one hour AI Masterclass on Zoom 19 August 2025