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Beyond the AI Speed Tax: Why "Good News" Still Needs a Strategy

Picture of Jorma Manninen Jorma Manninen : Updated on January 15, 2026

Strategic Messaging Agile Messaging Management Tips Executive Coaching Precision Communication Commander's Intent Workslop Business Messaging Strategy CEO Insights Strategy First AI Second 1,200-Hour Leak Executive Productivity Leadership Communication AI in Business Corporate Efficiency

In the age of Generative AI, we have fallen into a dangerous trap: The Efficiency Illusion.

We assume that because a machine can draft a "Good News" announcement in three seconds, we have saved time. But if that message lacks precision, you haven't saved time—you've just deferred the cost. When an incomplete announcement hits an inbox, it triggers a "Speed Tax": a flood of clarification emails, Slack messages, and phone calls that drain your leadership capacity.

The 1,200-Hour Leak

The average CEO spends roughly 1,200 hours a year on non-face-to-face interactions. A staggering percentage of that time is spent fixing "Workslop"—messages that are grammatically perfect but strategically hollow.

Workslop happens when we let the AI be the pilot instead of the assistant. It happens when we forget that even the most positive news requires a clear flight path.

Solving the ACE Equation

To eliminate the Speed Tax, we use the ACE Framework. This is a Direct Structure (Bottom Line Up Front) approach designed for high-velocity, low-context cultures where efficiency and logic are the primary currencies of business.

The Answer (A): In a direct structure, your audience wants the "destination" first. If you’ve finished a project early or approved a bonus, say it in the first sentence. Don't make your team dig through three paragraphs of "corporate fluff" to find out they are getting paid.
The Context (C): Once the destination is set, provide the flight path. What are the logistics? What are the limitations? Context is the "Why" and the "How" that prevents the "What about...?" follow-up emails.
3. The Expectation (E): Every message must land. What happens next? Is there a deadline? Is a response required? By defining the landing instructions, you close the loop and keep the lines of communication open for actual strategy, not just administrative cleanup.