I frequently use the description operational chaos but I really like the term operational drag. I’m actually not sure I’ve ever heard it described quite that way but it’s super relatable. Great read- I listened on a walk and have to go back through and save some great takeaways.
Thanks for sharing a nervous-system-honest way to adopt AI: not more output, less drag. It’s also clean language for clients who fear AI - it exists to protect the hours where only they can do the work.
Leaders should prioritise identifying areas of operational drag within their organisations to fully harness the potential of agentic AI. This proactive approach can lead to substantial gains in productivity and employee satisfaction. What strategies have you considered for identifying and addressing operational friction in your organisation?
While I agree with the overall thinking, I think there's one addition: not all friction should be automated. Some friction should be removed, simplified, standardized, delegated, or even left alone. The diagnosis comes first; AI is only one possible outcome.
Replacing a person with a tool usually just automates a broken process. But if you can save your best people two hours a day of digital paper-pushing, you basically give them their brainpower back.
I frequently use the description operational chaos but I really like the term operational drag. I’m actually not sure I’ve ever heard it described quite that way but it’s super relatable. Great read- I listened on a walk and have to go back through and save some great takeaways.
That is such a cool way to catch up! I need to do that more :)
Operational friction quietly costs more than most teams realize.
it does! It's just easier to pretend it's not there haha
Thanks for sharing a nervous-system-honest way to adopt AI: not more output, less drag. It’s also clean language for clients who fear AI - it exists to protect the hours where only they can do the work.
Leaders should prioritise identifying areas of operational drag within their organisations to fully harness the potential of agentic AI. This proactive approach can lead to substantial gains in productivity and employee satisfaction. What strategies have you considered for identifying and addressing operational friction in your organisation?
Thanks for adding that! The operational drag is real and costly
While I agree with the overall thinking, I think there's one addition: not all friction should be automated. Some friction should be removed, simplified, standardized, delegated, or even left alone. The diagnosis comes first; AI is only one possible outcome.
Replacing a person with a tool usually just automates a broken process. But if you can save your best people two hours a day of digital paper-pushing, you basically give them their brainpower back.
That's where the real leverage is.