Experts warn AI automates inefficiencies in unoptimized workflows

Petra Wille and Teresa Torres discuss the risks of applying AI automation to organizations and workflows that are not yet optimized. Wille notes that AI accelerates the execution of existing patterns, meaning if an organization or product is poorly structured, lacks clear direction, or serves undefined user groups, AI will simply execute those flaws faster. She references a post, possibly by Ethan Mollick, suggesting that companies are currently automating tasks that should not be performed in the first place. Torres adds that this reflects a broader issue where much of the work performed has no actual impact, a concept she links to Cal Newport’s ideas about the value of work. The consensus is that teams must first clarify expectations, define outcomes, and optimize processes before introducing AI, otherwise they risk scaling inefficiency and producing outputs that do not align with desired business or user value.