From Strategy to Execution: First 90 Days

Strategy without execution is just planning. The first 90 days of AI implementation set the foundation for success or failure. This critical period requires disciplined focus on quick wins, governance, and momentum building.

The 90-Day Framework

Days 1-30: Foundation

Establish governance:

Form AI steering committee
Appoint executive sponsor
Define decision rights and approval processes
Create initial AI policies

Finalize pilot selection:

Confirm 1-2 quick win pilots
Validate business sponsorship
Confirm data availability
Align stakeholders on success criteria

Build the core team:

Identify internal resources
Engage external partners if needed
Clarify roles and responsibilities
Establish communication rhythms

Quick actions:

Steering committee formed and met
Executive sponsor confirmed
Pilots selected with clear criteria
Team assembled and aligned

Days 31-60: Launch

Start pilots:

Kick off pilot implementations
Begin data preparation work
Establish technical environments
Create feedback mechanisms

Build awareness:

Communicate AI vision to organization
Launch AI literacy training for leaders
Identify and engage AI champions
Address questions and concerns

Monitor progress:

Weekly pilot status reviews
Track against milestones
Identify and address blockers
Document learnings

Quick actions:

Pilots actively underway
Organization aware of AI direction
Regular status reviews in place
Early learnings captured

Days 61-90: Demonstrate

Show early results:

Complete initial pilot phases
Measure and communicate outcomes
Celebrate wins publicly
Share learnings openly

Plan for scale:

Identify pilots ready for expansion
Develop scaling requirements
Budget for next phase
Build business cases for continued investment

Strengthen foundation:

Refine governance based on experience
Update policies as needed
Expand training programs
Deepen change management

Quick actions:

Pilot results demonstrated
Scaling plan developed
Budget secured for next phase
Governance refined based on learnings

Selecting Quick Win Pilots

Characteristics of Good Quick Wins

High visibility: Results will be noticed and valued

Low complexity: Can be completed in 60-90 days

Clear success metrics: Easy to measure impact

Business support: Strong sponsor willing to invest

Data availability: Required data exists and is accessible

Limited dependencies: Doesn't require major system changes

Avoid as First Pilots

Projects requiring extensive data cleanup
Initiatives touching sensitive areas (hiring, performance)
Complex multi-system integrations
Transformational changes to core processes
Projects without clear business sponsors

Building Momentum

Communication Strategy

Internal narrative:

Why we're investing in AI
What success looks like
How it benefits the organization
What we've learned so far

Key audiences:

Executive leadership (progress, ROI, decisions)
Managers (expectations, support needed)
Employees (impact, opportunities, training)
IT and operations (technical requirements)

Celebrating Progress

What to celebrate:

Pilot launches and completions
Measurable business improvements
Team and individual contributions
Learning and adaptation

How to celebrate:

Town halls and all-hands updates
Internal case studies
Recognition in leadership meetings
Team celebrations

Common First 90-Day Mistakes

Starting too big: Attempting transformational projects before building capability. Start smaller, learn, then scale.

Neglecting governance: Moving fast without structure leads to problems later. Establish basics early.

Poor communication: Letting rumors fill the void. Communicate proactively, even when news is limited.

Ignoring resistance: Hoping concerns will disappear. Address resistance directly and early.

Declaring victory too soon: Celebrating pilots as if they're finished products. Stay humble about what's been achieved.

Key Takeaway

The first 90 days are about building foundation, not achieving transformation. Establish governance, launch bounded pilots, demonstrate early results, and build organizational momentum. Success in this period sets the stage for everything that follows.

Next: Learn how to measure AI success and scale winning initiatives. :::

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