Coach Shawn

This is been a pretty cool week for me. I had the opportunity to do two really fun and interesting discussions with fun and interesting people!

First, I was a guest on Business RadioX - North Fulton where I managed to tie Lego, Lean and Jeff Foxworthy together :) Check it out here: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/northfulton/shawn-yates-on-smarter-processes-and-team-building/

Then, I did a LinkedIn Live with Tricia Warren where we talked about things companies need to get order BEFORE they start their AI journey. We had technical issues on this, so jump to minute 6 to get the goods :) This one is here: https://www.linkedin.com/video/live/urn:li:ugcPost:7379546189819432961/

Both were so exiting! Listen in and let me know what you think!!

� If success metrics are “we’ll know it when we see it,” you might not be ready for AI.

AI can solve a wide range of problems. You need to be clear on what you are trying to achieve before you get started.

If outcomes aren’t defined, every shiny object and flashy demo “looks good." But in the end, you won't know if you got where you wanted to go. You could even end up with a bigger mess problem than before you started on your meandering AI path.

Set the target before you start looking at products and demos. Define 1–3 measurable outcomes, capture a baseline, and set a time window. Align on what “good” looks like as you start your journey.

What I’ve seen work: Clear problem statement, baseline data, a simple KPI tree (leading + lagging), and ongoing checks that drive decisions. If the metric doesn’t move, adjust the implementation path, not the slide.

Ready to turn vibes into visible wins? Drop a comment or DM.

This is 10 of 10 in the series! Want all posts in one place? Subscribe at www.predaxis.com and I will send them all out in one article.

Also I will be following this series up with a LinkedIn Live event on Oct 1 to let you ask questions: https://www.linkedin.com/events/doyouthinkyourteamisreadyforai7373514507379167232/theater/

🗺️ If your process map is a blurry whiteboard from 2017, you might not be ready for AI.

If nobody on your team can actually read your “official” process, you’re flying blind. And if you’re thinking about AI, that’s a big 🚩.

You need to know what your actual process is for AI to help you with it. AI needs clear, up-to-date maps to navigate your world. If everything’s living on a dusty old whiteboard? Good luck trying to automate anything.

You’ve got to bring those processes into the light: map them out with your team, make them digital, and keep them updated. When everyone can see (and actually understand) the workflow, suddenly, improvements and automation are possible.

What I’ve seen work: Value stream mapping sessions, digital process charts (Miro, Lucidchart, my favorite - nVeris), and simple sticky-note workshops where people actually own their part. And, the people in the workshop should be the ones who do the work!

Want help flipping that faded whiteboard into a map your team and your AI can use? Let’s talk!

This is 3 of 10 in the series! Missed one? Subscribe at www.predaxis.com and I’ll send all 10 in one issue.

🚦 If your team still uses email as a to-do list, then you might not be ready for AI.

Seriously, if your biggest project management tool is “forward this to the team,” you’re not ready. You're also note alone (we’ve all been there). But it’s a 🚩 if you’re dreaming about AI.

Why? Because AI LOVES structure. When tasks live in endless email threads, things get missed, people spin their wheels, and automation? Forget it.

You have to get the tasks (aka data) somewhere central where everyone, including your new AI, can access it.

What I’ve seen work: On the simple side you have digital Kanban boards like Trello and Kanban flow. On the more comprehensive site you have whole workflow management systems like Jira and Rally.

Either way you are creating workflow transparency. When teams can actually SEE the work, everything gets faster—and THAT’s your foundation for AI wins.

Curious how to make that leap from inbox chaos to Kanban clarity? Drop a comment or DM!

This 1 of 10 in a series, if you miss the others, subscribe to my newsletter at www.predaxis.com - I will send all 10 in one issue at the end.