GenAI delivers little ROI so far, but plenty of “Workslop.”
Companies are investing billions in GenAI. Yet 95% of organizations see no measurable ROI, according to MIT research. Stanford shows why: WorkSLOP AI output that looks polished but is hollow inside. The result is frustration, rework, and millions in hidden costs.
The issue rarely lies in the technology itself. AI comes from an IT logic of zeros and ones, but human work processes are rarely linear. Shit in equals shit out.
Quality doesn’t come from shortcuts. It requires a strategic, iterative process with:
• Outcome-driven thinking, start with the result in mind
• User focus, keep the customer at the center
• Iteration, learn, adjust, and improve continuously
• Human in the loop, people remain accountable for substance and quality
This is urgent: long-term studies often lag reality, and in a world where “one second ago” is already old news, adaptability is critical.
Leaders should not see AI as a magic highway to productivity, but as a partner in a process that is strategic, outcome-focused, and iterative – with humans steering quality.
Practical case Turining Ai in Measurable outcome and impact:
At 13, my son set up a beta webshop for custom LEGO parts he designed himself, 3D printed, and sold online. All learned through YouTube tutorials, no formal training. By 15, he is running a full-fledged shop selling high-performance MTB components worldwide, designed and CNC-machined from aerospace-grade aluminum.
Both of his parents have broad experience as reviewers, so the products and processes are scrutinized. Recently, we discovered a free and effective online sales channel, directly measurable in his backoffice, adding even more reach without additional cost.
He manages the entire workflow: designing, production, and online sales. He accomplished this without long-term formal studies, otherwise he would have needed a master’s in engineering, formal marketing education, a web development course, and much more. Instead, he learned quickly, iteratively, and playfully, exactly how children learn best, and Adults should.
This case shows the power of iterative, outcome-driven, human-guided processes (whether with AI or self-taught) and how focus, iteration, and real user feedback create measurable results.
We have high expectations for the future, and we know how to make it work. Ping me if you want to learn more… my son doesn’t have LinkedIn yet. 🙂