The Perils of Incremental Thinking in an Era of Industrial Revolution

While it might feel OK right now to focus on perceived low-risk AI pilots and proof of concept strategies by rolling out things like limited-scope chatbots, co-pilots for existing tools/apps, ChatGPT, or other AI-enabled tools for employees to use, you might end up in a worse place if all you do is leverage AI to automate or enhance a process/function/role/tool that becomes obsolete when entire business operating structures change.

The Trap of Incrementalism:

Let’s face it. Advocating for incremental change is typically an easier sell within large organizations for many reasons: risk management, change management, budgets, politics, and organizational readiness. All support the case for moving at a measured pace. However, this historically ‘safe’ approach can sometimes blind organizations when seismic shifts occur that require thinking beyond incremental and existing boundaries. When entire business ecosystems evolve, will these incremental advancements hold value, or will they be the proverbial ‘lipstick on a pig’?

Think Big – Execute Prudently:

The real power of AI lies in its potential to help you reimagine what’s possible. The focus should shift from technology-driven enhancement to a radical rethink—where AI becomes the bedrock of a newly conceptualized business model that is resilient, innovative, and future-oriented.  This doesn’t mean you have to immediately execute all aspects of a holistic and forward-looking plan for your organization.  However, it does suggest that there is great value in investing at least a little time to build an AI-centric ‘what the future landscape might look like for us’ plan – at the enterprise level – that you can use as a reference point when making decisions you need to make today.  

Call to Action:

Already started down the incremental path?  It’s not too late to pivot your approach.  At Revenue Growth Associates, we are well-versed in the latest AI capabilities and advances.  But as important as this is, we also have a deep understanding of the intricacies and complexities that underpin modern business operating structures.  Things like ‘why it’s done the way it is – currently’, and ‘where the traps lie – if we do it differently’ when thinking about changes with expanding ripple effects.   

Revenue Growth Associates Can Help: Interested in learning more about Revenue Growth Associates’ Strategic Visual Blueprint Methodology™, which can be facilitated on-site or virtually to assist you in crafting your plan for the AI Industrial Revolution? Connect with us today to discuss how we can help you transform your organization’s planning mindset from incremental improvement to holistic innovation with AI.