Execution

Evaluate leaders by their execution capabilities

Instructions

Evaluate leaders based on their ability to execute.
When selecting or promoting leaders, look beyond their ability to generate ideas or articulate strategies. Focus on their track record of successfully executing plans. This involves checking whether they have managed projects that required attention to detail, solved problems in real time, and delivered results under pressure.
Involve the right people in strategic planning to ensure alignment and ownership.
When creating a plan, include the people who will be responsible for executing it. This ensures that the strategy is practical and grounded in reality. It also fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to the plan.
Detail the steps needed to execute the strategy.
Break down the strategy into clear, actionable steps that outline what needs to be done, who is responsible, and when it needs to be completed. This helps prevent confusion and ensures everyone knows their role.
Set measurable milestones to track progress and maintain focus.
Establish specific milestones to measure progress toward the overall goal. These milestones help keep the team focused and motivated. For example, if implementing a new system, a milestone could be training 50% of the staff by a certain date. Regularly review these milestones to ensure progress is on track. Reflect on, "Are we meeting our milestones?" and "What adjustments are needed to stay on track?"
Communicate openly and regularly to keep everyone aligned and informed.
Keep communication channels open to update all stakeholders on progress, challenges, and changes in plans. This ensures alignment and allows for timely course corrections if needed. Use tools like weekly updates, team meetings, or dashboards to share information.
Build a culture of accountability and collaboration within the team.
Foster an environment where team members take responsibility for their roles and collaborate to achieve shared goals. Encourage regular feedback, performance reviews, and open discussions to promote this culture. Recognize and reward efforts that contribute to the organization’s success.
Develop contingency plans.
Identify potential risks and have backup plans ready to handle unforeseen events. This readiness ensures that the team can quickly adapt and keep moving forward, even when things don't go as planned. For each goal, ask, "What could potentially derail us?" and "What steps will we take if that happens?"