We should use AI. For which actual task?

Choose a small AI trial with our free worksheet. Compare recurring tasks, permitted data, review effort and consequences, using a clear fictional example.

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November 1, 2026 · 2 min read

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Choosing an AI tool is easier when you can name the job you want it to do. This worksheet helps you compare a few recurring tasks before selecting one small, reviewable trial. It is the planning step before the existing AI workflow pack.

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Editable Excel workbook with a 20-row worksheet, fictional examples and instructions. No email signup.

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Write down the current work first

For each task, record its owner, runs per week and minutes per run. The workbook multiplies the last two values to show current weekly workload. Three runs of 15 minutes produce 45 minutes. That is a description of the work, not an estimate of what AI will save. Label estimates in the notes and measure where you can.

Agree inputs and a way to check the output

Record the permitted data and approved tool or account before starting. Use fictional or non-sensitive inputs for an initial trial. Explain how a person will verify the result against its source. If you cannot describe a reliable check, mark the task Hold or Not suitable instead of treating a fluent answer as proof.

Compare consequences as well as effort

The fictional example contrasts drafting routine meeting actions with deciding who receives a job offer. The first still requires a person to check owners and deadlines; the second is marked unsuitable for delegation in this example. The worksheet does not produce an automatic approval score. A responsible person makes the trial decision.

Carry one task into the trial pack

Choose one task, assign an owner and define the success check. Then use the separate AI workflow pack to keep the brief, output checks and trial log. Include setup, checking, correction and final-entry time when comparing the result with the original process. A better template or ordinary automation may still be the better answer.