Start with the workflow, not the tool
A valuable AI initiative begins with a repeated task, a clear input and an output someone can judge. Choosing a model first often creates demonstrations instead of durable capability.
1. Map the real job
Document the trigger, sources, decisions, output, reviewer and failure modes. This shows where AI can accelerate work and where human judgment must remain explicit.
2. Build reusable context
Brand principles, approved claims, audience definitions, terminology and examples should live in a maintained context layer — not inside one person's chat history.
3. Define quality gates
Require source checking, factual review, brand review and final ownership. Higher-risk outputs need stronger controls and clearer evidence.
4. Test on representative work
Use real briefs with normal ambiguity and constraints. Compare speed, quality and revision effort with the current process.
5. Improve the system
Track recurring corrections. Each correction is a signal to improve the context, prompt, source material or review rule.
The goal
AI should reduce friction and widen creative range while making accountability more visible — not less.