With Peter Guinane, Landscape Canada Committee (LCC) Chair
I will start with technology, because this will be a central theme for the series. So many tools are flooding the market to support all aspects of our businesses.
I recently attended the Lawn & Landscape Technology Show in Las Vegas, and it was a fantastic experience. I had the opportunity to speak with leaders from some of the largest landscape companies in North America, as well as the innovators behind the new technologies disrupting our industry
During the event, I delivered a presentation aimed at clarifying and focusing our choices in this ever-evolving landscape. In my talk, I asked the audience: Why are you in this business? What challenges are you trying to solve? The truth is, at the core, our businesses are about people—both our customers and our employees. We deliver products and services to customers with motivated staff members. Regardless of what you sell, your goal should be to enhance the customer experience, improve the quality of your offerings, or reduce costs through increased efficiency and productivity.
The most critical experts in leveraging new technology are your staff. They are the ones who train AI systems, create prompts, and evaluate outputs. The principle of "Trust but Verify," initially developed for training new leaders, remains essential when adopting technology. Your team’s expertise is vital for ensuring that solutions are practical and accurate.
Sometimes, simple tools like calculators produce errors, mistakes caused by a misplaced finger or an extra zero. With AI, the potential for significant errors is even greater because of the complexity of the questions asked. Many AI systems are trained to generate answers that sound correct, even if they are not. For example, ChatGPT will admit to fabricating information if you ask where it got its answer, which is a vital feature to keep in mind.
In my coaching business, I encourage companies to experiment with new technology. Small, reversible experiments can help you identify tools that improve staff performance and enhance the customer experience. Early adopters often gain a competitive advantage and financial benefits until these technologies become standard practice.The true winners will be organizations with skilled workers, expert sales teams, and experienced leadership. Technology should serve to augment these people, not replace them. Focus on solutions that address real problems your team faces, rather than adopting tools simply because they are trendy.
Peter Guinane
CNLA Landscape Canada Committee (LCC) Chair
