Every major corporation follows a similar sequence:
Step 1: The Pilot (Months 1-6) - Small AI experiment in one department - Usually framed as "helping employees work smarter" - Success metrics carefully tracked
Step 2: The Expansion (Months 6-12) - Successful pilot expands to related departments - ROI data shows 200-400% productivity gains - CFO becomes very interested
Step 3: The Decision (Months 12-15) - Board presentation on transformation opportunity - Consulting firm hired to plan implementation - Quiet hiring of AI specialists begins
Step 4: The Announcement (Months 15-18) - Restructuring announced with strategic language - Severance packages offered - "Reskilling opportunities" promoted
Step 5: The New Normal (Months 18-24) - Smaller workforce with AI augmentation - 2-3x productivity expectations - New roles emerge for AI-human integration