Embed execution into strategic planning

Instructions

Identify the gap between strategy and execution in your organization.
Take time to reflect on whether your organization is missing its goals because of a lack of execution. Ask yourself: Are our strategies being implemented as planned? Are we facing unexpected challenges that derail our plans? Identify where things are breaking down. For example, if a product launch fails, analyze whether it was due to poor market understanding, inadequate resources, or lack of follow-through.
Engage in honest and frequent dialogue about progress and challenges.
Promote open conversations within teams about what is working and what isn’t. Ask tough, specific questions like: “What are the specific steps we are taking to achieve this goal? What obstacles are we encountering, and how can we address them?” This helps bring hidden issues to the surface and ensures that plans are constantly adjusted based on real-time feedback.
Ensure execution is a core part of your strategy.
Integrate execution into your planning processes. As you develop strategies, ask: Can we execute this with our current resources, skills, and systems? If not, what needs to change? Make execution a priority in strategy meetings and ask critical questions to evaluate your organization’s capability to deliver on plans.