The Smartest AI Strategy Is Usually Simpler Than You Think
AI Agents are exciting! It seems like we can create a powerful new tool within minutes (seconds?), implement it, and execute. We'll be faster, stronger and more impactful.
Not so fast though.........
Before you move into agent territory, figure out if the task at hand actually needs one.
Not every task does.
Right now, agents are getting a lot of press. They're everywhere. There are a lot of people who are trying to be 'good' at AI, thinking that the way to get there is by creating agents.
My feeling on this is: with the large variety of pricing models still being determined, there may be a rapid move to charge a premium (ie, HIGH) price as the demand grows.
And the demand grows quickly when we go from zero to agent, skipping steps on the ladder.
Additionally, agents require ongoing maintenance and oversight. They need governance, maintenance, ownership, and ongoing monitoring. Which means someone needs to be responsible for that. You can’t outsource that to another AI agent, btw. It doesn’t work that way.
Can you see the cash register total jumping up already?
There are actually simpler options that can be deployed first, saving the agents for the tasks that really require that level of skill. So.....(drumroll please)....
I've created the AI Escalation Ladder to explain this idea. Check it out.
Level 1: Native Features
Microsoft's got your back, with thousands of productivity features built into the tools you already own.
The old standards you know and love, like
Outlook Rules
Power Query
PivotTables
SharePoint Metadata
Teams Approvals
You might be surprised at what you can solve when you take it back to basics.
Level 2: Copilot Assist
Next comes one-time assistance. If the first level won't address your needs, maybe you just need a Copilot helping hand.
Jump into Copilot when you need help with things like
Drafting content
Summarizing meetings
Brainstorming ideas
Creating formulas
Analyzing information
Level 3: Workflow / Automation
You know we love automation over here, so if a task repeats consistently, this might be the solution.
When you are running certain tasks or processes over and over, like these, Copilot might be your guy
Approval processes
Notifications
Routing documents
Repetitive administrative work
Level 4: Reusable Prompts
When the same request keeps popping up, a reusable prompt might be your new best friend.
We all have to create things like
SOP creation
Meeting recaps
Proposal drafting
And that's where the prompt comes into play.
Level 5+: Shared Skills & Agents
We finally reached Agent stage. This isn't where we started, though, is it? We had to go through a lot of steps to get here. Only when needed should you move toward shared organizational capabilities and agents.
There's a reason for this.
Do you see why jumping into an agent too soon might actually work against you?
You very likely already have the tools you need. The goal isn't to use the most advanced technology. The goal is to solve the problem effectively.
If it doesn't need an agent, that's a win.