AI Guide for Leaders
AI creates the most value where prediction, automation, knowledge transfer and individual customer service come together. The smart entry is a use case with measurable benefit and little structural change, planned as the first step of an AI roadmap.
Adam D. WisniewskiManaging Partner, AI4Leaders
Five insights from the guide
- 1
Four areas where AI plays to its strengths
Predictions based on historical data, process automation, collecting and transferring knowledge, and individualising customer interaction.
- 2
Start small, but strategically
The first use case should relieve people measurably, change little and show results quickly. At the same time it is the first step of a long-term roadmap and serves to build data, quality management and communication.
- 3
Data is the basis of every AI application
No AI without relevant data of sufficient quality. Start in areas with manageable data protection requirements (FADP, GDPR) to gain time for the necessary structures.
- 4
Adoption decides success
AI creates uncertainty. Transparent communication and close involvement of employees from the start matter as much as the technology.
- 5
Prototype, pilot, product, then keep checking
With AI, neither starting point nor outcome is ever fully certain. A prototype makes the benefit tangible; a pilot tests integration and acceptance. After that you need measurable quality criteria and continuous monitoring.
- Executive teams and boards who want to position AI strategically
- Leaders preparing their first AI initiative
- Companies in any industry, no technical background needed
- What makes AI so special?
- Flash in the pan or megatrend?
- How AI creates value
- Where to start
- Prerequisites for using AI
- Step by step into the AI future
- Five steps to transformation
- User-centred from the start
Two pages from the guide
The full guide is available free of charge as a PDF.
Frequently asked questions
Where should an SME start with AI?
In an area where AI relieves people measurably, changes existing structures little and shows first results quickly. Plan this first step as part of an AI roadmap and use it to build data, quality management and communication.
What are the prerequisites?
Above all relevant data of sufficient quality, clear responsibilities and involvement of the future users. The more directly an application affects customers, the higher the requirements for data protection and quality assurance.
How can I gain first-hand experience as a leader?
Use freely available assistants such as ChatGPT, Gemini or Perplexity for your own tasks, for example a business analysis or text drafts. Check the results critically and do not use confidential data.
This guide belongs to Step 0: Where you stand. Where do we really stand?
Growth through AI: The Executive Playbook
Our playbook: how to take AI from experiment to measurable growth, with decision gates, governance and templates.
AI Guide for Industrial Production
Up to 40 % productivity potential, and why the biggest lever today lies in your existing production data.