Contrary to the vision of free-wheeling autonomous agents, most business automation relies on strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Products like OpenAI's Agent Builder succeed by providing deterministic, node-based workflows that enforce business logic, which is more valuable than pure autonomy.

Most companies are not Vanguard tech firms. Rather than pursuing speculative, high-failure-rate AI projects, small and medium-sized businesses will see a faster and more reliable ROI by using existing AI tools to automate tedious, routine internal processes.

The common fear of AI eliminating jobs is misguided. In practice, AI automates specific, often administrative, tasks within a role. This allows human workers to offload minutiae and focus on uniquely human skills like relationship building and strategic thinking, ultimately increasing their leverage and value.

Instead of focusing on foundational models, software engineers should target the creation of AI "agents." These are automated workflows designed to handle specific, repetitive business chores within departments like customer support, sales, or HR. This is where companies see immediate value and are willing to invest.

Don't view AI tools as just software; treat them like junior team members. Apply management principles: 'hire' the right model for the job (People), define how it should work through structured prompts (Process), and give it a clear, narrow goal (Purpose). This mental model maximizes their effectiveness.

The transition from AI as a productivity tool (co-pilot) to an autonomous agent integrated into team workflows represents a quantum leap in value creation. This shift from efficiency enhancement to completing material tasks independently is where massive revenue opportunities lie.

Instead of traditional IT roles focused on software, an AI Ops person focuses on identifying and automating workflows. They work with teams to eliminate busy work and return hundreds of hours, shifting employees from performing tasks to directing AI.

Adopt a 'more intelligent, more human' framework. For every process made more intelligent through AI automation, strategically reinvest the freed-up human capacity into higher-touch, more personalized customer activities. This creates a balanced system that enhances both efficiency and relationships.

Shift from departments staffed with people to a single owner who directs AI agents, automations, and robotics to achieve outcomes. This structure maximizes leverage and efficiency, replacing the old model of "throwing bodies" at problems.