We’ve all seen organizations with well-conceived strategies flounder or fail during execution. And while there's lots of advice on how to develop strategies, there’s very little guidance on how to execute those strategies.
After all, devising a strategy is about innovative big-picture ideas, and who doesn’t love that type of thinking? Implementation, on the other hand, is about the nuts and bolts of execution. It’s day in and day out — not nearly as sexy.
Here's a framework we use to help our clients be just as successful with execution as they are with strategy development.
Establish Clear Goals
The first step in implementing a strategy is identifying clear and attainable goals. These goals translate your strategy into action and align your team around a common purpose. Clear goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) will focus your organization on the important elements of the strategy, preventing everyone from getting distracted by details.
Engage Your Employees
Successful implementation depends on everyone working together. So set clear expectations and instill accountability when delegating, making sure employees are aware of their roles and responsibilities. If roles and responsibilities aren’t thoroughly defined, there can be overlaps or gaps resulting in inefficiencies and mistakes (a.k.a. poor implementation). Your job is to ensure resources are allocated effectively by aligning the work with your team's skills and capabilities. It's also your job to keep everyone motivated and on track by communicating regularly.
Monitor Progress
Once implementation starts, create a dashboard of KPIs and continuously measure progress toward them. This will allow you to course correct before it's too late — as will being agile as you implement. You’re operating in a dynamic environment, so you need to make accommodations for new circumstances and information. Successful implementation rarely happens absent adjustments.
Many leaders don't recognize that implementation is a discipline. Don't be one of them! Only proper planning, communication and evaluation will win the day, and make your team stronger in the execution arena.
