Effective knowledge capture, documentation, and distribution are essential for organizations adopting AI. A recent survey revealed that only 16% of respondents believe their workflows are thoroughly documented. The primary obstacles to proper documentation include insufficient time, noted by 40% of respondents, and a lack of adequate tools, mentioned by 30%.
A notable example of the challenges in integrating new technology with existing processes was highlighted in a discussion with an executive from a Fortune 500 company. This organization is striving for significant productivity enhancements through AI but continues to use an outdated collaboration tool that is not suited for teamwork. This situation underscores the potential delays in AI initiatives when teams lack modern collaboration and documentation tools.
The necessity of a cohesive approach in AI adoption goes beyond technology itself. For successful enterprise-wide implementation, companies must create an integrated environment where teams can brainstorm, plan, document, and make decisions collectively. The fundamental principles of technology adoption continue to apply: appropriate tools are essential for fostering collaboration and documentation.
Perceptions of a company’s AI strategy vary significantly by employee role. According to the survey, while 61% of C-suite executives feel their company’s strategy is well-considered, only 49% of managers and 36% of entry-level employees share this view.
Building an effective AI strategy necessitates a structured approach akin to product development, requiring collaboration among leaders and teams to prioritize opportunities and outline a clear path forward. As remote work becomes more commonplace, utilizing digital tools to facilitate collaboration is increasingly crucial.
In a recent instance, AI was utilized to address a strategic issue for an executive team, allowing a product leader to create a comprehensive memo swiftly. However, despite the efficiency gained from the AI-generated document, further meetings were necessary to discuss specifics, prioritize actions, assign responsibilities, and document final decisions. The survey indicated that 23% of respondents find collaboration to be a frequent obstacle in complex tasks, suggesting that while employees are open to change, ineffective collaboration poses risks and limits the potential benefits of AI.
Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/01/1124593/unlocking-ais-full-potential-requires-operational-excellence/