Making Strategy Work

The Key Is Execution

Even the best strategy only works with professional execution. Often managers aren’t equipped to put strategy into operation even though they're expected to. They are trained in strategy and planning, but often have limited knowledge of how to implement.

Execution requires involvement at all managerial levels. The notion that higher executives can pass execution to the lower levels is simply false. "Let the grunts handle implementation" is a formula for certain failure. Experience shows that relatively few major initiatives are executed well for reasons that vary from getting too many people involved to creating a process that takes too long. Other factors that hamper execution are poor communication and information sharing, weak organizational structure, undefined accountability and responsibility, and a culture that doesn’t adapt well to change.

Understanding that these hazards exist clearly improves your chances of successful execution, yet it is no guarantee. Managers really need a model, a system of guidelines, to steer them through the process. Once you equip your managers with a roadmap, their chances of properly implementing your ...