Leadership Briefs

Executives Execute

Any gap between strategy and outcomes is at the point of implementation. The execution gap always inhibits organizational performance. Competent leaders know how to transition from strategy to outcomes.

STRATEGY + EXECUTION = OUTCOMES

Great strategy without execution is merely an interesting plan. Strategy means the right things will be completed to meet shared outcomes. Execution is taking action at the right time and in the right way to make it happen. Solid execution will include the following components.

ASSIGNMENTS

Give the right assignment to the right people for the right reasons.

ACTION STEPS

Within the company, clarify what each department is responsible to complete to achieve the company’s goals. Within each department, specify what each team is accountable to accomplish in order to reach the department goals. On each team, identify what individual team members are assigned to do in order for the team to meet its goals.

RESOURCES

Make sure every department, team, and team member has the necessary resources to achieve each assignment. Align leadership expectations to the resources provided.

BENCHMARKS

Establish a time line with completion benchmarks at key points. Then implement a rhythm of communications to check in until the project is completed.

COMMUNICATION

Build a communication rhythm across departmental boundaries to provide updates and encourage cross-functional collaboration. Create a communication process where every team member reports to the team, every team reports to the department, and every department reports to senior leadership.