The reason strategy execution is often glossed over by even the most astute strategy consultants is because primarily it’s not a strategy challenge.
It’s a human behaviour one.
To deliver stellar results, people need to be hyper-aligned and laser-focused on the highest-impact actions that will drive the organisation’s most important outcomes.
But even in well-run, stable organisations, people are misaligned, too broadly focused, and working at cross-purposes.
This isn’t critical only for a changing company in a changing industry.
It’s also true for fast-growing startups.
And companies in turn-around situations.
And those with new leadership.
Any time it’s critical to focus on strategy — and when isn’t it? — the most important strategy question you need to answer is: How can we align everyone’s efforts and help them accomplish the organisation’s most important work?
Two words: Participative Execution
You do not change attitudes and mindsets by simply changing structures, governance, and processes; you change attitudes and mindsets through genuine engagement and two-way interaction.
We encourage leaders to contemplate what would happen if they started with interaction.
Instead of seeing formulation and execution as distinct phases, with engagement somewhere in between, what if we took a truly participative approach? What if there was genuine, inclusive dialogue?
It might start with why the organization needs a new strategy, continue with what strategic options could be created, and conclude with how to set about making it happen — together.
It makes the intangible tangible and incorporates worries, hopes, fears, and intentions in the process.
In today’s uncertain, fast-changing world, the idea that a few brilliant brains at the top of the organization, or from a niche consultancy, can define the perfect strategy is ridiculous.
To remain relevant, the strategy at least in part, has to be shaped by the people who need to execute.
Leaders cannot and do not have all the answers. You need to create the space for genuine interaction characterized by curiosity, expression of ideas, inquiry, and experimentation.
There is more value to be found in exploring an open question than in imposing an answer that cannot be seriously challenged.
In other words: going slow, in order to go fast.
Looking to bridge the gap between strategy and execution? Let's talk to discuss a project.
