Implementing AI? Ask this question first
Why do you want to use AI? The answer to this question determines whether AI will accelerate your organization—or disrupt it. In this blog we explain why strategy matters more than tools.
Read time: 5 minutes
Implementing AI? Ask this question first
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way we work. But in the hype around tools and technology, many companies forget to ask one essential question: why do we actually want to use AI?
This single question, “why?”, determines whether your investment in AI will accelerate your organization—or disrupt it.
AI is not a goal in itself
AI can do impressive things: automate processes, improve customer insights, generate content, and more. But just as you wouldn’t buy a car without knowing where you want to go, it makes no sense to deploy AI without a clear goal.
According to research by Asana, only 31% of companies have a real AI strategy. That means the majority invest in tools without a plan, leading to inefficient use, data risks, and generic output that can undermine brand identity.
Map out your strategy first and choose your track consciously, before you start using AI.
Source: Getty Images/iStockphoto railway
Start with the right questions
The key to successful AI implementation is not what you use, but why you use it. Ask yourself (and your team) the following questions:
- What do we want to improve?
- Why is this important?
- How do we plan to improve it?
- Where do we ultimately want to be?
By answering these questions, you create the foundation for a clear strategy, measurable goals, and tangible results.
AI is a tool, not a magic solution
AI cannot fix a bad process. On the contrary: without clear processes or objectives, it can actually cause chaos. That’s why implementing AI requires a combination of:
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- AI knowledge (such as prompt skills)
- Clear agreements within the team
📌 Think of AI as a closet full of shoes: you still need to decide what you’re going to do—and which shoes are best for the job.
Involve your employees from day one
The biggest mistake companies make? Implementing AI without involving their people. This increases resistance, uncertainty, and “shadow IT” (link to blog).
What works instead:
- Organize training and workshops on AI implementation (see our workshop page)
- Encourage colleagues to think along about opportunities
- Build ethical frameworks (see also AI & Ethics and The EU AI Act)
- Ensure human review, especially for AI-generated content
Strategic implementation = gradual implementation
Digital transformation does not have to happen all at once. Start small:
- Work with a proof of concept: for example, an AI assistant for internal documents or proposals
- Evaluate with employees: what works, what doesn’t?
- Adapt new projects based on your fresh insights
This gives employees time to adapt, helps your organization learn to work with AI, and reduces the risk of mistakes.
AI requires new skills
According to Microsoft, 48% of employees say that AI increases the need for critical thinking, analytical skills, and problem-solving.
And that is good news: these human skills are exactly what make the difference. AI is powerful, but without human judgment it remains a blunt tool.
Conclusion: ask yourself the right question before implementing AI
The time to invest in AI is now! But don’t forget—it’s not a race. It’s a deliberate step toward improving your internal and external business processes.
So the question is not if you should use AI. The real question is: why do you want to use AI?
Companies that answer this clearly:
✅ Implement AI more successfully
✅ Create engagement and trust
✅ Build efficient, scalable processes
✅ Maintain their unique brand identity
💡 Curious how your organization can start with AI in a thoughtful way?
Discover our services.
Together, we’ll make sure your AI investment pays off.