Running an AI workshop effectively identifies key business challenges, brainstorms creative solutions, and develops a focused, actionable plan. Recently, we conducted a three-hour workshop dedicated to creating and refining the PM-management chatbot. The outcome? Smiling participants, teamwork, and a wealth of creative ideas helped shape the future of project management in Mitigate.

Why Workshops Matter: Identifying the Real Problem

Workshops help pinpoint core problems within the organization, which is crucial to effectively addressing them. Rather than assuming what teams need, participants are encouraged to voice their specific challenges. During our workshop, this meant discussions around project delays, communication breakdowns, and the need for automated task tracking. This laser-focused identification ensures that any AI solution implemented is not just a tool but a solution to real issues.
Participant feedback spoke volumes:
"The structured discussions made it easy to pinpoint exact pain points."

Collaboration: Turning Ideas into Action

Workshops also foster collaboration across teams. In our case, participants were divided into groups, where they brainstormed creative ways the AI Assistant could address real-world challenges. The opportunity to share ideas across teams added new perspectives and fine-tuned the proposed solutions.
Participants appreciated this collaborative element:
"Working as a team brought out ideas, smiles, and a sense of being a team."

Dedicated Budget for MVP

Once teams have identified the challenges and proposed creative solutions, the next step is to allocate a budget for developing the MVP. We prioritized the most critical features during our workshop to bring immediate value. This practical approach ensures that the project doesn't stall under the weight of overly ambitious features and instead focuses on quick, impactful wins.

Returning in 4 Weeks to Evaluate Results

The ability to follow through on ideas makes AI workshops particularly effective. At the end of our workshop, we planned a four-week check-in, during which we would evaluate the chatbot's performance and ensure that it meets theneeds defined during the workshop. This would allow teams to stay accountable and see tangible results from their work.

Why AI Workshops Work:

• Clear Focus on Real Problems: Identifying specific challenges ensures that solutions are relevant and practical.
• Collaborative Solutions: Brainstorming as a team opens up fresh ideas and perspectives.
• Dedicated Budget: Allocating resources to build an MVP keeps the project focused on delivering immediate value.
• Results-Oriented: Setting a follow-up session to evaluate progress ensures continued development and accountability.

Whether you're dealing with project management like we were or tackling other business challenges, an AI workshop can catalyze innovation, teamwork, and real-world results. As our participants put it, it was "structured, creative, and fun" - a perfect combination for discovering solutions that make a difference, with purpose-driven team building that goes beyond just having fun.