AI Won’t Fix Broken Processes—But You Can
We’re not underutilizing AI. We’re overprotecting outdated processes. AI isn’t falling short—our legacy workflows are. Until we rethink how work actually gets done, even the smartest tools will struggle to deliver real productivity gains.
I recently came across a study involving around 1,000 participants using AI tools in their daily work. The results? Higher engagement and satisfaction—but no significant bump in productivity. That finding stuck with me.
It made me wonder: Are we layering new technology onto old workflows and expecting transformation? Or are we missing the deeper opportunity to rethink how work actually gets done?
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This isn’t the first time we’ve seen tech promise sweeping change only to deliver uneven results. Some teams thrive, others stall. Often, the difference isn’t the tool—it’s the context in which it’s used.
If we’re serious about unlocking productivity gains, we need to stop trying to retrofit AI into rigid, legacy processes. Instead, we should:
Action Steps to Maximize AI’s Impact
- Audit Your Workflow: Identify friction points and redundancies. Where does work get stuck?
- Consolidate Tools: Before comparing AI platforms, ensure your existing tech stack is streamlined and interoperable.
- Redesign for Flow: Reimagine processes with AI at the center—not as an add-on. Ask: “What could this look like if we started from scratch?”
- Empower Teams: Involve end users in redesigning workflows. Productivity isn’t just about speed—it’s about ownership and clarity.
AI isn’t a magic wand. It’s a catalyst. But to harness its full potential, we need to be willing to change the way we work—not just the tools we use.
Let’s stop asking whether AI is productive and start asking: Are we creating the conditions for it to be?
Bill Ryan
Bridging Distance, Building Excellence – As founder and CEO of Ryan Consulting, I transform how organizations thrive in remote and virtual environments.
For over 25 years, I’ve been fascinated by one question: How do we create extraordinary connection and performance when teams aren’t in the same room? This question has guided my career helping organizations harness the full potential of their distributed workforce.
My approach is refreshingly practical. I align what I call the 3P’s—Purpose, People, and Process—creating frameworks where remote teams don’t just function, they flourish. In today’s landscape of rapid change, this alignment isn’t just helpful—it’s your competitive edge.
Working together, we’ll craft solutions precisely calibrated to your organization’s unique challenges. Whether through customized workshops on performance support, process refinement, mobile solutions, or organizational effectiveness, I bring proven strategies that deliver measurable results.
My greatest satisfaction comes from watching leaders, teams, and individuals discover they can collaborate more effectively across distance than they ever thought possible. In a world of constant change, that’s not just good business—it’s transformational.
Ready to reimagine what your remote workforce can achieve? Let’s connect.