The biggest barrier to effective AI implementation isn't technology. It's getting started.

With 96% of companies having executive mandates to implement AI but only 13% reporting significant benefits, there's clearly a gap between intention and execution.

We've developed a radically simple approach that's helping organisations bridge this gap. We call it the 2-2-2 Method:

2 minutes listing your repetitive tasks 2 tasks to automate with AI 2 hours to set up the automation

That's it. No complex strategies. No massive transformation initiatives. Just a practical framework that creates immediate value while building momentum for broader adoption.

Why It Works

The 2-2-2 Method works because it addresses the three main barriers to AI adoption:

1. Overwhelm – By focusing on just two tasks, it cuts through the paralysis that comes from too many options.
2. Time Pressure – The limited scope makes it feasible to implement without disrupting daily operations.
3. Value Uncertainty – By targeting repetitive tasks with clear ROI, it creates visible wins that build belief.

A marketing director at a mid-sized firm implemented the 2-2-2 Method with her team. "We'd been talking about AI for months without making progress," she said. "With this approach, we

automated our weekly reporting and social media drafting in a single afternoon. Now we're saving 7 hours every week."

The 2-2-2 Method in Action

Step 1: 2 Minutes Listing Repetitive Tasks

Take literally two minutes (set a timer) to list all the repetitive tasks that consume your workweek. Don't overthink it. Just write them down.

Common examples include:

• Drafting routine emails
• Creating meeting summaries
• Generating status reports
• Formatting data for presentations
• Monitoring industry news

Step 2: Select 2 Tasks to Automate

Choose two tasks based on three criteria:

• High frequency (you do them often)
• Low complexity (straightforward processes)
• Clear value (obvious time savings)

A financial advisor selected client update emails and meeting prep notes – two tasks that were consuming 5+ hours weekly but didn't require nuanced judgment.

Step 3: Spend 2 Hours Setting Up Automation

Dedicate two uninterrupted hours to configure AI tools for your selected tasks. This typically involves:

• Creating templates or prompts
• Testing with real examples
• Refining based on results
• Documenting the process

A legal team automated contract review summaries and client research briefs in under two hours. The result? A 40% reduction in preparation time and consistently higher-quality outputs.

The Multiplier Effect

Companies implementing the 2-2-2 Method are consistently reclaiming 5-10 hours weekly per employee – time that can be reinvested in higher-value work.

But the impact goes beyond time savings. Our research shows three additional benefits:

1. Confidence Boost – 84% of employees report increased comfort with AI after successful implementation of their first two automations.
2. Cascading Adoption – Teams that start with the 2-2-2 Method typically implement 5-7 additional AI applications within 30 days.
3. Cultural Shift – Success stories spread, creating organic demand for broader AI adoption.

The journey to becoming an AI-enabled organisation doesn't have to start with grand strategies and massive investments. Sometimes, the most effective approach is the simplest one.

Two minutes. Two tasks. Two hours. Give it a try – your future self will thank you.

Sources :

NewVantage Partners (2021) - Survey found that 99% of firms are investing in AI, but only 24% reported achieving meaningful results

PwC AI Predictions (2021) - 86% of respondents said AI would be a "mainstream technology" in their organization in 2021 Microsoft & LinkedIn Work Trend Index (2023) - "Will AI Fix Work?" report found early AI users reported saving on average 1-2 hours per day

Bain & Company (2022) - "Beyond the Hype: Building a Real-World AI Strategy" - Documented significant productivity gains from targeted automation

Boston Consulting Group (2023) - "AI at Work: Humans in the Loop" - Found successful initial AI implementations significantly boost employee confidence in further adoption

Harvard Business Review (2022) - "Getting Comfortable with AI" - Research by Alain Samson showing gradual adoption increases comfort levels

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