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Planners vs. Doers and Embracing AI in Today's Business Landscape

James Williams



The business world is a place of dreams, aspirations, and yes, reality checks. Often, the gap between meticulous plans and actual execution can be vast. This blog post dives into the sometimes blurry line between planners and doers, explores the limitations faced by those who want to "get things done," and offers a solution: leveraging the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI).


The Planner vs. The Doer: A Balancing Act

We've all encountered them: the meticulous planner who crafts intricate strategies, and the gung-ho doer who dives headfirst into action. While both approaches have merit, the key lies in finding the sweet spot.


  • Planners: They excel at research, analysis, and formulating comprehensive strategies. However, over planning can lead to analysis paralysis, delaying action and hindering progress.

  • Doers: Their strength lies in initiative and execution. They're not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get things done. But without a solid plan, their efforts might be scattered and lack direction.


The reality of the business world: Many professionals find themselves stuck between these two extremes. They have fantastic ideas and a desire to "do real things", but face limitations.


  • Resource Constraints: Budgetary limitations, limited workforce, or lack of access to the latest technology can hinder execution. (https://www.investopedia.com/)

  • Fear of Failure: The fear of making the wrong decision or experiencing a setback can paralyze even the most passionate doers.

  • Information Overload: Today's business landscape is awash with data and new technologies. Keeping up with the latest advancements and determining how to integrate them can be overwhelming.


There isn't a one-size-fits-all formula for bridging the gap between planning and doing, but here's a framework you can adapt to your specific situation:


1. Define SMART Goals:

  • Specific: Clearly define your desired outcome. What exactly do you want to achieve?

  • Measurable: Establish clear metrics to track your progress.

  • Attainable: Set realistic goals that challenge you but are achievable within your resources and timeframe.

  • Relevant: Ensure your goals align with your overall vision and strategy.

  • Time-bound: Set a specific deadline for achieving your goals.

2. Break Down Your Plan:

  • Take your comprehensive plan and break it down into actionable steps. These steps should be small, achievable tasks that move you closer to your goal.

  • Prioritize these tasks based on their importance and urgency.

  • Use project management tools or to-do lists to stay organized and track progress.

3. Implement Time Blocking:

  • Allocate specific time slots in your calendar for focused work on your action steps. This prevents distractions and ensures you make dedicated progress.

  • Schedule these "doer blocks" alongside your planning sessions to create a balanced schedule.

4. Embrace Iteration:

  • Things rarely go exactly according to plan. Be prepared to adapt and adjust your course as you progress.

  • Use feedback and new information to refine your plan and action steps as needed.

5. Celebrate Milestones:

  • Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This keeps you motivated and reinforces positive progress.

Bonus Tip:  Develop a "Done is Better than Perfect" mindset. Strive for progress and completion over waiting for perfection




Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way businesses operate, offering unprecedented opportunities for efficiency, innovation, and growth. Embracing AI technologies can drive significant benefits across various industries, from automation and data analysis to customer service and decision-making.


  1. Automation and Efficiency: AI-powered automation streamlines repetitive tasks, freeing up valuable time and resources for more strategic endeavours. From chatbots handling customer inquiries to robotic process automation (RPA) managing routine workflows, businesses can optimize operations and boost productivity.

  2. Data Analysis and Insights: AI algorithms analyse vast datasets to uncover valuable insights and trends, empowering businesses to make data-driven decisions. By harnessing AI-driven analytics tools, organizations can gain a deeper understanding of customer preferences, market trends, and business performance, enabling targeted strategies and optimizations.

  3. Personalized Customer Experiences: AI enables businesses to deliver personalized experiences at scale by analysing customer data and behaviour. Recommendation engines suggest relevant products or content, virtual assistants provide tailored support, and predictive analytics anticipate customer needs, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty.

  4. Enhanced Decision-Making: AI augments human decision-making by processing complex data and generating actionable insights. Machine learning algorithms forecast demand, optimize pricing strategies, and identify emerging risks, empowering businesses to make informed decisions faster and with greater accuracy.

  5. Innovation and Competitive Advantage: Embracing AI fosters innovation and agility, enabling businesses to stay ahead of the competition in a rapidly evolving landscape. By leveraging AI for product development, process optimization, and market intelligence, organizations can drive continuous improvement and maintain a competitive edge.


As AI technologies continue to evolve and mature, businesses that embrace AI stand to gain a significant competitive advantage. By leveraging automation, data analysis, personalized experiences, and enhanced decision-making, organizations can unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and success in the digital age.

For further reading:




Here's where AI steps in as a powerful equalizer:


Embracing AI: A Game Changer for Doers

AI offers a plethora of tools and applications that can empower doers to overcome these limitations and achieve their goals. Here's how:



If you are wanting to explore how AI can revolutionize your business? Schedule a FREE consultation at sigmaworx. We'll help you identify the most relevant AI applications to bridge the gap between planning and doing and unlock the full potential of your business.

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