Your strategy is only as good as your organization’s ability to execute it effectively. Unfortunately, many strategies, even good ones, remain ideas in management’s head, words on paper or just talk. This is a waste. And … the implications of failing to execute go beyond the lost or delayed benefits of the strategy. It may result in cultural resistance or cynicism to the latest “management flavor of the month”, making it even harder to execute the next time around.
If, after your latest strategic review, it was back to business as usual as operating issues returned to the fore, it’s a clear sign that you lack the organizational ability to execute.
Yet, contrary to what many gurus will tell you, effective execution is neither about fire-and-forget measurement systems/scorecards, nor overly complicated and cumbersome management systems.
Provided your strategy was collectively developed by all stakeholders in a manner that generates buy-in and is succinctly documented in a manner that facilitates decision-making, execution is a relatively straight-forward exercise. As common sense suggests, it’s a matter of instilling the discipline and simple work processes required to keep the organization working towards its Future Strategic Profile.