Toolkit
Post-sprint
Playing to Win — AI Strategy Sprint

Post-sprint deliverables

Templates for all five client deliverables, the follow-up email, and the next-workshop bridge. Complete and send within 48 hours of the sprint.

AI Strategy on a Page

The flagship deliverable. A one-page synthesis of all five Strategic Choice Cascade answers, showing the complete AI strategy in a single visual. This is what gets pinned to the wall and referenced in every strategy conversation.

Deliver within 48 hours

[CLIENT_NAME] — AI Strategy on a Page

Date: [SPRINT_DATE]  ·  Facilitator: [FACILITATOR_NAME]  ·  Participants: [PARTICIPANT_NAMES_AND_ROLES]

Q1 — Winning Aspiration
“[WINNING_ASPIRATION]”
Q2 — Where to Play

Markets & industries we will focus on

[MARKET_1]
[MARKET_2]
[MARKET_3]

Customer segments we serve

[SEGMENT_1]
[SEGMENT_2]
[SEGMENT_3]

Microsoft technologies we lead with

[TECH_1]
[TECH_2]
[TECH_3]
Where we will NOT play

[EXPLICIT_EXCLUSION_1]

[EXPLICIT_EXCLUSION_2]

[EXPLICIT_EXCLUSION_3]

Q3 — How to Win

Our competitive advantage

[COMPETITIVE_ADVANTAGE_DESCRIPTION]

AI-enabled moat

[AI_MOAT_DESCRIPTION]

Key differentiator vs. competitors

[KEY_DIFFERENTIATOR_DESCRIPTION]
Q4 — Core Capabilities

Must-have capabilities

[CAPABILITY_1]
[CAPABILITY_2]
[CAPABILITY_3]
[CAPABILITY_4]
[CAPABILITY_5]
[CAPABILITY_6]
[CAPABILITY_7]

Biggest capability gaps

[GAP_1]
[GAP_2]
[GAP_3]
Q5 — Management Systems

Strategy review cadence

[WEEKLY / MONTHLY / QUARTERLY]

Key metrics

[METRIC_1]
[METRIC_2]
[METRIC_3]
[METRIC_4]

Accountability structure

[ACCOUNTABILITY_DESCRIPTION]
How to read this strategy
Winning Aspiration (the ambition)
Where to Play (the choices)
How to Win (the advantage)
Core Capabilities (the enablers)
Management Systems (the sustainer)

Read top-down: the Winning Aspiration defines the ambition. Where to Play narrows the field. How to Win explains the competitive edge. Core Capabilities show what must be built. Management Systems keep it all on track.

This strategy was built by [TEAM] during the Playing to Win sprint on [DATE]. It should be revisited quarterly.

Facilitator Notes

  • Transfer cascade answers from the sprint canvases to this polished one-page template
  • Ensure the Winning Aspiration is a single, bold sentence — not a paragraph
  • Verify "Where we will NOT play" is explicit — the exclusions are as important as the inclusions
  • Validate that How to Win logically follows from Where to Play — the advantage must be specific to the chosen playing field
  • Check that capability gaps are honest — these become the basis for the 30-Day Action Sprint
  • Recommended tool: PowerPoint or Figma for the final visual. Keep it to one page or one slide.

AI Decision Map

A visual map of the client's key decisions where AI prediction creates competitive advantage. Based on the Prediction Machines AI Canvas framework (Agrawal, Gans & Goldfarb). Shows how cheap prediction feeds into human judgment and strategic action.

Deliver within 48 hours

[CLIENT_NAME] — AI Decision Map

Date: [SPRINT_DATE]  ·  Facilitator: [FACILITATOR_NAME]

Based on the Prediction Machines AI Canvas framework: every AI use case starts with a decision that can be improved by better prediction.

Decision Inventory

# Client Decision Prediction Needed Judgment Required Data Input Our Competitive Moat
1 [e.g., Which service requests to escalate] [e.g., Predict ticket complexity and resolution time] [e.g., How to balance speed vs. quality] [e.g., Historical tickets, SLA data, agent profiles] [e.g., Proprietary ticket classification model]
2 [e.g., When to reorder inventory] [e.g., Predict demand by SKU and location] [e.g., Trade-off between stockout risk and carrying cost] [e.g., Sales history, weather, events, supplier lead times] [e.g., Integrated supply chain data platform]
3 [e.g., Which customers are likely to churn] [e.g., Predict churn probability at 30/60/90 days] [e.g., Retention cost vs. customer lifetime value] [e.g., Usage patterns, support history, contract data] [e.g., Deep customer relationship data]
4 [CLIENT_DECISION_4] [PREDICTION_NEEDED_4] [JUDGMENT_REQUIRED_4] [DATA_INPUT_4] [COMPETITIVE_MOAT_4]
5 [CLIENT_DECISION_5] [PREDICTION_NEEDED_5] [JUDGMENT_REQUIRED_5] [DATA_INPUT_5] [COMPETITIVE_MOAT_5]
6 [CLIENT_DECISION_6] [PREDICTION_NEEDED_6] [JUDGMENT_REQUIRED_6] [DATA_INPUT_6] [COMPETITIVE_MOAT_6]

Summary

[N]
Total decisions mapped
[N]
Clear advantage
[N]
Needs investment

Decision Flow Diagram

This diagram shows how AI prediction feeds into human judgment and action. For each mapped decision, prediction reduces uncertainty, judgment applies values and trade-offs, and action creates business outcome.

Prediction → Judgment → Action → Outcome
Prediction
AI reduces uncertainty
"What will happen?"
→
Judgment
Human applies values
"What do we value?"
→
Action
Organization executes
"What do we do?"
→
Outcome
Business result
"What did we achieve?"

Key insight: AI does not replace judgment. AI makes prediction cheap, which makes judgment more valuable. The competitive moat is in having better data for prediction AND better judgment frameworks for action.

Facilitator Notes

  • Start from the decisions identified during Module 3 (How to Win) and the pre-work AI Decision Inventory
  • For each decision, validate that the "Prediction Needed" is genuinely an uncertainty that AI can reduce
  • The "Judgment Required" column is critical — it shows where humans remain essential and AI augments rather than replaces
  • Highlight decisions where the client has unique data assets — these represent the strongest competitive moats
  • Flag any decisions where the client lacks the data input entirely — these require foundational data work before AI can help
  • This deliverable bridges well to the Adoption Accelerator workshop, where the top decisions become pilot use cases

Strategy Trap Report

Pre-work diagnostic results with facilitator commentary. Documents which of the four common AI strategy traps the organization exhibited, how the sprint addressed them, and what ongoing vigilance is needed.

Deliver within 48 hours

[CLIENT_NAME] — Strategy Trap Report

Date: [SPRINT_DATE]  ·  Facilitator: [FACILITATOR_NAME]

Based on the Strategy Trap Diagnostic completed as pre-work by [NUMBER] participants. The four traps represent common failure modes in AI strategy — patterns that feel like strategy but lack the rigorous choices that Playing to Win demands.

Trap Diagnostic Overview

Trap 1: AI as Vision
[X/5]

"We'll be an AI-first company" without defining what that means in concrete choices.

[Active / Inactive / Risk]
What we observed
[FACILITATOR_OBSERVATION]
How the sprint addressed it
[DESCRIPTION]
Ongoing risk
[DESCRIPTION]
Trap 2: AI as Plan
[X/5]

"We have an AI roadmap" but it's a list of projects, not a set of strategic choices.

[Active / Inactive / Risk]
What we observed
[FACILITATOR_OBSERVATION]
How the sprint addressed it
[DESCRIPTION]
Ongoing risk
[DESCRIPTION]
Trap 3: AI as Reaction
[X/5]

"We need to do something with AI" driven by fear of missing out rather than strategic logic.

[Active / Inactive / Risk]
What we observed
[FACILITATOR_OBSERVATION]
How the sprint addressed it
[DESCRIPTION]
Ongoing risk
[DESCRIPTION]
Trap 4: AI as Optimization
[X/5]

"We're using AI to make existing processes faster" without questioning whether those processes are the right ones.

[Active / Inactive / Risk]
What we observed
[FACILITATOR_OBSERVATION]
How the sprint addressed it
[DESCRIPTION]
Ongoing risk
[DESCRIPTION]

Summary Assessment

Primary trap pattern
[TRAP_NAME]

The sprint addressed this by [HOW_THE_SPRINT_ADDRESSED_IT].

Recommendation
Preventing relapse

To prevent relapse into this trap pattern, we recommend [SPECIFIC_MANAGEMENT_SYSTEM].

  • [RECOMMENDATION_1]
  • [RECOMMENDATION_2]
  • [RECOMMENDATION_3]

Facilitator Notes

  • Score each trap from the pre-work diagnostic responses (average across all participants)
  • Mark traps as Active (score 4-5), Risk (score 2.5-3.9), or Inactive (score 1-2.4)
  • For each Active trap, provide specific observations from the sprint conversations — be candid but constructive
  • The "ongoing risk" section is especially important — it shows the client this is not a one-time fix but requires sustained attention
  • Frame the management system recommendation around Q5 (Management Systems) from the cascade — connect it to specific metrics and review cadences
  • If all traps score low, the organization may have a mature strategy capability — shift emphasis to acceleration and competitive positioning

30-Day Action Sprint

Concrete actions from Module 6 of the sprint. Three focused actions with clear owners, deadlines, success metrics, and weekly check-in protocol. Designed to create momentum and prevent the strategy from dying in the parking lot.

Deliver within 48 hours

[CLIENT_NAME] — 30-Day Action Sprint

Sprint start: [START_DATE]  ·  Sprint end: [END_DATE]  ·  Facilitator: [FACILITATOR_NAME]

Sprint overview: 3 actions, 30-day deadline, weekly check-in cadence.

Action 1

[SPECIFIC_ACTION_1]
Owner
[NAME_1]
Deadline
[DATE_1]
Success metric
[METRIC_1]
First step (by end of this week)
[MICRO_ACTION_1]
Dependencies
[DEPENDENCIES_1]

Action 2

[SPECIFIC_ACTION_2]
Owner
[NAME_2]
Deadline
[DATE_2]
Success metric
[METRIC_2]
First step (by end of this week)
[MICRO_ACTION_2]
Dependencies
[DEPENDENCIES_2]

Action 3

[SPECIFIC_ACTION_3]
Owner
[NAME_3]
Deadline
[DATE_3]
Success metric
[METRIC_3]
First step (by end of this week)
[MICRO_ACTION_3]
Dependencies
[DEPENDENCIES_3]

Week-by-Week Timeline

Week 1

[FOCUS: e.g., Set up teams, assign roles, complete first steps]

Week 2

[FOCUS: e.g., Execute core tasks, collect first data points]

Week 3

[FOCUS: e.g., Iterate based on feedback, address blockers]

Week 4

Review & report. Assess all three actions against success metrics. Decide: continue, pivot, or escalate.

Check-In Protocol

Weekly check-in

15-minute weekly call every [DAY] at [TIME] with [FACILITATOR].

  • Format: Each owner reports in 3 minutes: what was done, what is blocked, what is next
  • Rule: No status updates without a specific ask — every update must end with "I need..." or "I'm good"
  • Escalation: If an action is blocked for more than 5 business days, the owner must escalate to the sprint sponsor
Switch Framework Reminder

"Shrink the change. If an action feels overwhelming, halve it. A small action completed beats an ambitious action abandoned. What matters is movement, not perfection." — Chip & Dan Heath, Switch

Facilitator Notes

  • Pull actions directly from Module 6 of the sprint — these should be the ones the team committed to publicly
  • Keep actions specific and measurable — reject vague actions like "explore AI options" or "think about governance"
  • The "first step by end of this week" is the most critical field — if someone can't define a first step, the action is not ready
  • Set up the weekly check-in call before sending this deliverable — send a calendar invite with the first deliverable email
  • Use the Switch framework actively: direct the Rider (clear actions), motivate the Elephant (small wins), shape the Path (check-in cadence)

Competitive Positioning Brief

How the chosen strategy differentiates from competitors. Documents the positioning statement, competitive analysis, key messages for client conversations, and sources of competitive moat from the How to Win exercise.

Deliver within 48 hours

[CLIENT_NAME] — Competitive Positioning Brief

Date: [SPRINT_DATE]  ·  Facilitator: [FACILITATOR_NAME]

Positioning Statement

“[POSITIONING_STATEMENT: e.g., We are the only company in [market] that combines [unique capability] with [AI advantage] to deliver [specific outcome] for [target segment].]”

Competitor Analysis

Competitor Their AI Approach Our Advantage Their Advantage Risk Level
[COMPETITOR_1] [THEIR_AI_APPROACH_1] [OUR_ADVANTAGE_1] [THEIR_ADVANTAGE_1] [HIGH / MEDIUM / LOW]
[COMPETITOR_2] [THEIR_AI_APPROACH_2] [OUR_ADVANTAGE_2] [THEIR_ADVANTAGE_2] [HIGH / MEDIUM / LOW]
[COMPETITOR_3] [THEIR_AI_APPROACH_3] [OUR_ADVANTAGE_3] [THEIR_ADVANTAGE_3] [HIGH / MEDIUM / LOW]

Positioning Map

Plot your organization and key competitors on this 2x2 matrix. X-axis = AI capability depth (point solutions to integrated systems). Y-axis = Client relationship depth (transactional to strategic partner).

Client Relationship Depth →
Strategic Partner
+ Shallow AI
[POSITION_TL]
Strategic Partner
+ Deep AI
[POSITION_TR]
Transactional
+ Shallow AI
[POSITION_BL]
Transactional
+ Deep AI
[POSITION_BR]
Shallow AI capability Deep AI capability

Key Messages for Client Conversations

When asked: "Why you?"

[RESPONSE: e.g., Because we combine strategic advisory with hands-on AI implementation. We don't just tell you what to do with AI -- we build it with you and stay until it works.]

When asked: "How are you different from [COMPETITOR]?"

[RESPONSE: e.g., [COMPETITOR] focuses on [their approach]. We focus on [our approach]. The difference shows up in [specific outcome] -- our clients see [metric] compared to their [metric].]

When asked: "What's your AI expertise?"

[RESPONSE: e.g., We specialize in [specific AI domain] built on [Microsoft platform]. We've delivered [N] projects for [industries] with [results]. Our team includes [credentials].]

Sources of Competitive Moat

From the How to Win exercise — the 3-5 advantages that competitors cannot easily replicate:

  1. [MOAT_1_TITLE] — [MOAT_1_DESCRIPTION]
  2. [MOAT_2_TITLE] — [MOAT_2_DESCRIPTION]
  3. [MOAT_3_TITLE] — [MOAT_3_DESCRIPTION]
  4. [MOAT_4_TITLE] — [MOAT_4_DESCRIPTION]
  5. [MOAT_5_TITLE] — [MOAT_5_DESCRIPTION]

Facilitator Notes

  • Pull competitive intelligence from the pre-work competitive positioning input and Module 3 (How to Win) discussion
  • The positioning statement should be testable — if a competitor could say the exact same thing, it is not distinctive enough
  • Be honest about "Their Advantage" in the competitor table — credibility comes from acknowledging where competitors are strong
  • The positioning map is a discussion tool, not a scientific measurement — place competitors based on the team's collective perception
  • Key messages should be rehearsable — each response should be 2-3 sentences that anyone on the leadership team can deliver
  • Sources of competitive moat should pass the "What Must Be True" test from Module 4 — each moat requires specific capabilities to sustain

Follow-Up Email & Next Workshop

Pre-written follow-up email with all deliverables attached, key choices summarized, and a natural bridge to the next workshop in the Digital Bricks strategy portfolio. Send within 48 hours of the sprint.

Send within 48 hours

Follow-Up Email

Bridge to Next Workshop

Include one or both of the following bridges in the follow-up email, depending on the client's needs.

Option A: AI Adoption Accelerator

Use this bridge when the client needs to move from strategy to organization-wide execution.

AI Adoption Accelerator

You've decided WHERE to play and HOW to win. The next challenge is making the organization move. The AI Adoption Accelerator is designed for exactly this — a full-day session that turns your strategy into an adoption blueprint with change management built in from the start.

Full day
Duration
EUR 12,000
Investment
15–25
Leadership + middle management + power users

The Adoption Accelerator covers stakeholder mapping, resistance patterns, the Switch framework for change, pilot design, governance setup, and a 90-day adoption roadmap. It brings the playing field from the boardroom to the entire organization.

Option B: AI Strategy Map Workshop

Use this bridge when the client needs to connect their Playing to Win choices to measurable business outcomes.

AI Strategy Map Workshop

If you want to translate your strategic choices into a visual roadmap with specific financial and customer objectives, the AI Strategy Map Workshop connects your Playing to Win choices to measurable business outcomes using the Balanced Scorecard framework.

Full day
Duration
EUR 10,000
Investment
8–15
Senior leadership + department heads

The Strategy Map Workshop translates your Winning Aspiration into four perspectives: Financial, Customer, Internal Process, and Learning & Growth. Each perspective gets measurable objectives and AI-specific initiatives. You leave with a strategy map, initiative portfolio, 90-day roadmap, and executive summary.

Combined Investment Path

Full Strategy Journey
Playing to Win + Strategy Map + Adoption Accelerator

Combined investment: EUR 25,000 – 30,000 — leading to an Embedded Partner retainer for ongoing strategic support.

  • Playing to Win Sprint (EUR 7,500) — force the strategic choices
  • AI Strategy Map Workshop (EUR 10,000) — connect choices to measurable outcomes
  • AI Adoption Accelerator (EUR 12,000) — make the organization move

Each workshop builds on the previous one. The full journey takes a leadership team from "we need an AI strategy" to "we have a strategy, a roadmap, and an adoption plan with accountability" in three focused sessions.

Email paragraph for the bridge

Copy-paste this paragraph into the follow-up email after the 30-Day Sprint section:

"Looking ahead: you now have clear strategic choices about AI. The natural next step is either to translate those choices into a visual strategy map with measurable business objectives (AI Strategy Map Workshop, full day, EUR 10,000) or to bring the wider organization along through a structured adoption session (AI Adoption Accelerator, full day, EUR 12,000). Both build directly on the choices you made during the sprint. I'd be happy to walk you through which makes the most sense for your situation — just reply to this email and we'll set up a 30-minute call."

Digital Bricks Closing

Digital Bricks — We Make AI for Everyone.

Strategy & Governance Practice
digitalbricks.ai

[FACILITATOR_NAME]
[FACILITATOR_TITLE]
[FACILITATOR_EMAIL]
[FACILITATOR_PHONE]