Look for repetition, not novelty
The best first automation is rarely the most interesting idea in the room. It is the task that happens every week, uses the same information, and still requires someone to chase it. Follow-up, scheduling, record-keeping and routing are usually stronger starting points than a one-off exception.
Count the people and the handoffs
If one person owns a narrow job, a single AI Employee may be enough. If the same outcome needs a response, a record update, a qualification check and a meeting, that is already more than one role. In that case an AI Team or a custom automation is often the better first conversation.
Leave judgment with people
Work that needs a pricing exception, a sensitive decision or an unusual customer situation should have a clear stop. Automate the preparation and the routine next step. Keep the decision where it belongs.
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