Enterprise Thinking #002: Everyone Wants AI. Where Should We Start?

Last week, we explored a simple idea.

Technology doesn't change businesses. People do.

If that's true, then the next question becomes:

Where should we start?

Today, it feels like every business is talking about AI.

Every week there's a new model, a new feature, or a new tool promising to help businesses work better.

The opportunity is exciting.

But before asking,  "Which AI should we use?"  perhaps we should first ask a much simpler question.  "What are we trying to improve?"

Start with the Problem, Not the Technology

Imagine walking into a doctor's clinic and saying,

"I'd like this medicine."

Most doctors wouldn't write a prescription immediately.

Instead, they would ask questions.

• What brings you here? • What are your symptoms? • How long has this been happening?

Only after understanding the problem would they recommend a treatment.

Choosing business technology is no different.

Before selecting AI, we should first understand the business problem we are trying to solve.

The Same Technology Can Solve Different Problems

Think about four different departments.

A Finance team may want to shorten month-end reporting.

A Procurement team may want to compare suppliers more consistently.

Customer Service may want to respond to customers faster.

Human Resources may want to simplify employee onboarding.

Each team may decide to use AI.

But they are solving completely different problems.

The technology may be the same.

The purpose is different.

Which means the questions should be different too.

Ask Better Questions

Many AI discussions begin with questions like:

• Which AI model should we use? • Which platform should we buy? • Should we build an AI Agent?

These are important questions.

But perhaps they come too early.

Instead, try asking:

• What takes the most time today? • What frustrates our people the most? • Which decisions are difficult to make? • What information is difficult to find? • If we solved one problem this year, what would create the biggest impact?

Notice how the conversation changes.

It moves away from technology.

It moves towards the business.

And that's usually where the best ideas begin.

AI Is One Possible Answer

AI is a powerful tool.

But it isn't always the answer.

Sometimes a better process solves the problem.

Sometimes better reporting is enough.

Sometimes the data needs improving.

Sometimes people simply need easier access to information.

Technology should help solve a problem.

It shouldn't become the problem we're trying to justify.

Why This Matters

Every successful technology initiative starts with a purpose.

Not with a product.

Not with a vendor.

Not with the latest technology trend.

Purpose helps us ask better questions.

Better questions help us identify the right information.

Better information helps us make better decisions.

Only then should we decide whether AI is the right tool.

One Thought to Leave You With...

Organizations rarely succeed because they bought the newest technology.

They succeed because they solved the right problem.

Before choosing AI, ask yourself one simple question.

"What are we trying to improve?"

The answer should lead you to the technology.

Not the other way around.

The Enterprise Thinking Journey

✅ People Matter

✅ Start with Purpose

⬜ Understand Responsibilities

⬜ Ask Better Questions

⬜ Organize Better Information

⬜ Get Better Answers

⬜ Create Better Outcomes