Discussing business strategies or future trends today often involves addressing how AI and GenAI are transforming businesses and workplaces. Leaders see the potential for these technologies to enhance business performance significantly, with McKinsey estimating generative AI could add $2. 6 trillion to $4. 4 trillion annually across 63 analyzed use cases. With such potential, many organizations are incorporating AI into their strategic plans, seeing it as key for driving priorities, making strategic decisions, and affecting operations and customer interactions. As AI's influence grows, organizations must decide its prominence in their three- to five-year strategies and consider key factors for integrating AI into their long-term plans. ### Understanding AI Maturity Before committing to AI as a strategic investment, leaders should assess their organization's AI maturity. Gallup's research indicates many employees lack training in AI use, with only 6% feeling very comfortable and about 32% feeling very uncomfortable using AI at work. AI adoption is complex, requiring more than just technology upgrades—identifying barriers and opportunities is crucial. Organizations might engage external experts, host workshops, or form internal groups to address AI's multifaceted nature and develop a compelling AI strategy. Key questions leaders should ask include: - What is our current level of AI adoption, and does it align with our mission? - How reliable is the data for AI applications?Are there data gaps? - What obstacles hinder AI adoption? - Do we have the talent needed for AI adoption? - Can our organizational culture support AI-driven transformation? Such reviews can guide strategic plans, identifying early wins and setting long-term expectations. Applying SWOT analysis can aid in critically evaluating AI investments. ### Aligning AI With Organizational Purpose A strategic plan must clearly link AI investments to the organization's mission.

For example, if customer centricity is central, AI investments should enhance customer outcomes. Demonstrating AI's impact involves quantifying clear outcomes and ROI, such as: - Enhancing customer lifetime value through personalized interactions - Reducing operational costs via automation - Decreasing risk with data-driven decision making Leaders should also ensure employees see how AI supports both company and personal missions. A Slack survey found nearly half of desk workers fear using AI might be seen as cheating or incompetence. Hence, strategic plans should include stories illustrating AI's positive impact, boosting confidence and aligning with the organization's mission. ### Developing an Adaptive Strategy Roadmap Strategic plans should detail AI initiatives and provide a roadmap for implementation. Given AI’s evolving nature, these roadmaps must adapt to changing business challenges, market dynamics, or technological advancements. An AI strategy roadmap should include flexible milestones for the next 3–5 years, emphasizing both short-term wins and long-term goals. Short-term milestones may involve pilot projects, while long-term goals require broader, adaptable visions. Additionally, the roadmap should encompass investments in change management and shifts in culture and behavior to support AI integration. Effective internal communication, marketing, and change management are essential, as simply mentioning AI in plans isn’t enough. AI requires a comprehensive, multi-year approach beyond being just a budget line item.