The Biggest Risk - A Word for Businesses
Right now, your biggest risk isn’t adopting AI—it’s waiting until you feel ready. By then, the game will already be over. I know – I am full of good news. And what is with me and AI.
Simply this – I believe AI can have the most positively profound impact on leaders, employees, and businesses than any other factor around us. We need to be investing in AI.
But with an AI adoption rate of just 6% we are lagging the rest of the world and falling further behind.
If Atlantic Canadian leaders don't take the critical action to integrate AI into workflows and workforces, the likelihood of their companies catching up and staying competitive in AI adoption is less than 20%. Atlantic Canadian leaders who hesitate now will likely remain followers, not leaders—forever playing catch-up rather than setting the pace.
Strong words – So what should you do?
I struggle with investment decisions being made in Atlantic Canadian businesses – machinery is easy, marketing is easy, hiring people (more a dream) is easy … AI – not easy at all.
Start by asking one simple, powerful question. Not to your board, not to consultants (well, maybe one could be a help with this)—but directly to your team. The people on the front lines, closest to your customers and processes. Ask them: "What's the one repetitive or frustrating task you're stuck doing every week—something that, if automated or streamlined with AI, would free you up to do the meaningful work that grows our business?"
Why this question? Because your team already knows exactly what's holding your company back. They feel it every day—the unnecessary friction, the outdated tools, the endless manual busywork.
These are the invisible roadblocks that quietly drain energy and kill momentum.
Here's the thing about AI: it doesn't need grand strategies, giant budgets, or perfect timing. It just needs you to identify one clear, solvable problem. When you ask your employees this question, you'll instantly illuminate where AI can deliver immediate, tangible impact—turning frustration into productivity, and busywork into breakthroughs.
And you will have an advantage – only 10% of leaders are asking employees for their perspectives on AI. The return from listening to the answers is investment outcomes five times that of other initiatives.
If you wait until you feel "ready," you'll wait forever, slipping further behind every day. So, stop waiting for a perfect moment, and ask the people who truly know. Let their answers show you exactly where to start—right now.
Are you leading the AI wave or drowning in its wake—what will you choose?
Find out about measuring perspectives on AI positioning for your business by touching base with me at michael@workinsights.io.