The Answer is More Than Just AI
AI can draft an email, summarize a meeting, and help a team sort through information in seconds. For rural businesses with small staffs and managers who already wear too many hats, that sounds like a welcome relief.
And it can be. But I think we need to ask a more useful question than “What can AI do for us?” We need to ask where work is getting stuck and what would happen if we gave our people some of their time back.
I’ve worked with organizations where capable managers are the answer to nearly every problem. They know the customers, understand the operation, and care deeply about the people around them. That is why they were promoted in the first place. Before long, though, they’re answering every question, fixing every mistake, and finishing work that someone else could be learning to do. There’s little time left to coach employees, improve a process, or prepare for what’s coming next.
AI may help with some of the tasks consuming those managers’ days. It might make information easier to find, reduce duplicate entry, or help someone prepare for a decision. But if the underlying process is unclear, a new tool can just add another thing to manage. It may even help us produce bad information faster.
Start with the work. Where are people entering the same information twice? What routinely causes delays? Which decisions are waiting because the right information arrives too late? Those questions can lead to a useful solution, whether it involves AI, a simpler process, or better use of a system you already have.
Then comes the leadership question: What will we do with the time we create? Fifteen hours saved each week will mean much more if some of those hours go toward developing employees, serving customers, improving margins, or planning ahead.
That’s the idea behind my latest blog post, “The Answer Is More Than Just AI.” I also share five questions leaders should answer before approving an AI initiative.
I’d be interested to hear where work gets bogged down in your organization—and what you could accomplish if you freed up that capacity.
Nick
In the Field…
It’s getting tough for agribusiness on the Great Plains. I’ve spoken to a number of companies who are facing shortfalls in the coming year and it has them concerned.
The price and availability of fertilizer has them worried. Diesel prices have them frustrated. The drought has them exhausted. It just feels like they keep getting slapped only to be punched once they’re past something.
We’re here to help. Whether it’s a business analysis or just the need for a sounding board, we can tailor a solution for you. Give us a call and we can work on things together!
Looking Ahead…
October will look a lot like September for Agri-Prime. If you’re in Warren County (that’s right south of Des Moines for you non-Iowans), I’ll be presenting for the Indianola Chamber of Commerce’s Business Series. Check it out here!
Meeting and Expo season is starting to gear up so look for me at some of the conferences and if you have a retreat, development project, or need for facilitation, give me a call! You can schedule time with me here.
One More Thing….
Are you looking for a keynote speaker or a breakout session for your next event? I present and discuss a number of different themes that will leave your attendees feeling like “Wow, he really gets what we’re going through out here.” You can learn more about my presentations here. Contact me today and I will tailor a presentation to the needs of your audience and work alongside you to provide the experience you’re looking for!
Meet…
Nicholas A. Krehbiel, Ph.D.
Nicholas Krehbiel, owner of Agri-Prime Consulting, guides rural businesses and organizations through evolving challenges. He draws on his background in agriculture, education, and farmer cooperatives to strengthen governance and promote accountability while honoring core community values. Nicholas is dedicated to helping institutions adapt their practices for the modern landscape, supporting both operational excellence and cultural integrity.
As an authorized Wiley DiSC partner, Nicholas helps leadership teams build trust and improve communication. He is known for facilitating board retreats and strategy sessions that clarify roles, foster strategic clarity, and encourage authentic collaboration. His approach empowers organizations to adapt, thrive, and create sustainable progress in rural settings.
Agri-Prime Consulting, Office, Indianola, IA 50125, United States
(620) 388-1451