The AI Adoption Scorecard: See Where You Stand & Unlock AI’s Full Potential
Take this AI self-assessment to identify gaps, find quick wins, and start leveraging AI to improve your business, work, and strategy.
Are you using AI to your advantage, or are you falling behind?
AI is evolving from a tool into a critical driver of business and career growth. While most people are treating AI as a collection of tools, your advantage comes from strategically integrating it today while preparing for its bigger shifts ahead.
This checklist helps you:
- Assess your AI adoption level
- Identify gaps in your approach
- Determine the next steps to move forward
The Three Stages of AI Adoption
Many businesses (and individuals) are stuck at Level 1. They're automating small tasks, but missing AI’s bigger strategic advantage. AI adoption is happening in three stages:
- Stage 1: AI as a tool → Automating tasks for speed & efficiency
- Stage 2: AI as a collaborator → Enhancing strategy, creativity & decision-making
- Stage 3: AI as a business driver → Running workflows, predicting trends & unlocking new opportunities
Where do you stand today?
How to Use This Checklist
- Go through each section and check off what you’ve already implemented.
- Use the scoring system to see where you stand:
- 0–5: Just starting → Focus on learning & testing AI in low-risk ways.
- 6–10: Gaining traction → Time to build AI into workflows & strategy.
- 11-15: AI-driven → Expand beyond strategy & explore how AI will impact the future.
- 16+: You're already creating the future.
- Use this as a roadmap. The goal is to keep checking more boxes as you level up.
If you’re just getting started, don’t be discouraged. The fact that you're reading this is a sign that you're already ahead of many when it comes to AI. The key is to use this as a starting point for growth, consistently making small improvements to keep leveling up.
Stage 1: AI as a Tool (Automation & Efficiency)
Most businesses start here, and many get stuck here. AI can replace repetitive work, but you're leaving opportunities on the table if you only use it for small tasks.
If you can gain efficiencies in Stage 1, you can free up time for higher-value work in Stages 2 and 3.
□ I use AI-powered tools (ex: ChatGPT, Perplexity, Midjourney, Gemini) for research, content, or ideation.
□ I can clearly explain where AI is already improving efficiency in my work.
□ I’ve experimented with AI tools beyond ChatGPT (automation, AI-powered search, no-code tools).
□ I’ve automated at least one repetitive task (scheduling, emails, customer support, data entry).
□ I track how AI improves productivity (time saved, output increased).
If you left boxes unchecked:
Start by eliminating low-value work in your day.
Identify one manual task that would benefit you if automated. Research tools and implementation to automate it.
Stage 2: AI as a Collaborator (Strategy & Competitive Advantage)
AI isn’t just about efficiency and automation, it can enhance decision-making, creativity, and problem-solving too.
At this stage, AI becomes an active assistant, helping you think faster, personalize experiences, and improve strategy. The goal is to move beyond administrative tasks and incorporate AI into core business functions.
□ I leverage AI for brainstorming and creative ideation.
□ I use AI for strategic insights (market research, data analysis, competitive tracking).
□ I've used AI-powered deep research tools (OpenAI, Perplexity, Grok) to gain insights that go beyond surface-level information.
□ I’ve integrated AI into my workflows beyond just automating admin tasks.
□ I’ve tested AI-powered personalization in marketing, sales, or content.
If you left boxes unchecked:
Where can AI help you think better, not just work faster?
Start by identifying ways to integrate AI into strategy, insights, or personalization. Then, research the structure and tools required to implement these solutions and how to develop them.
Stage 3: AI as a Business Driver (Industry & Business Model Shifts)
While improving efficiencies and tightening up strategies will get you ahead, the biggest opportunities will come from working differently.
AI will reshape industries, customer expectations, and entire business models. Those that thrive won't just adopt AI, they'll totally rethink what is possible because of AI. To stay ahead, rethink what’s possible. AI will change what you offer, how you operate, and where you compete.
□ I’m tracking AI’s impact on my industry and adapting my approach.
□ I’ve identified how AI could expand my revenue streams or unlock new business models.
□ I am thinking of ways AI will reshape customer expectations and market dynamics.
□ I’ve explored AI-powered decision-making (forecasting, automation-driven strategy).
□ I’m currently testing new AI models, including AI agents, to automate workflows and explore autonomous opportunities.
If you left boxes unchecked:
You’re still thinking about AI in the short term.
Ask: How will AI reshape my industry in the next 12-24 months? What steps can I take to position myself or my company ahead of that shift?
Bonus: AI as a Competitive Mindset
□ I dedicate time each week to learning about new AI models & tools.
□ I approach AI with a systems mindset, integrating it throughout my work rather than keeping it to isolated areas.
□ I see AI as a long-term shift in how business operates, not just a productivity or knowledge hack.
□ I am actively testing & refining my AI workflows to stay ahead.
If you left boxes unchecked:
AI capabilities and adoption will compound over time.
Start small, but commit to learning weekly and forecasting ways AI will impact your business.
How Did You Score?
• 0-5 checks → Just getting started. Focus on small wins and hands-on AI experimentation.
• 6-10 checks → You’re integrating AI, but it’s mostly at the efficiency level. Start expanding your use of AI for strategy.
• 11-15 checks → You’re ahead of most & using AI strategically. Are you pushing into AI-driven decision-making?
• 16+ checks → You’re thinking at an elite level. How are you actively shaping the future of your business with AI?
What’s Next?
1. Pick one area you scored low in. Improve it this week.
2. Eliminate one inefficient process using AI.
3. Start testing AI for strategic insights—not just automation.
No matter how you scored, there’s time to get ahead by expanding your skills and starting to think on a larger scale. You don’t need all the answers right now; just take the next step. What will you focus on improving first?
Need help figuring out how AI fits in your business?
I offer AI & Strategy Sprints designed to help you integrate AI, automation, and emerging tech into your business.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute business, investment, legal, financial, or tax advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult with professional advisors before making business decisions.
