Strategy Execution: Getting It Done

Whether it’s entering new markets, repositioning, outsourcing, or undertaking new initiatives or technology, execution of strategic goals is often a graveyard of good intentions. A recent strategy execution study of a broad group of leaders found that 65% of them do not consider their own organization successful at executing their strategies.

• Apply basic elements of strategy execution to your own strategic initiative
• Recognize factors affecting your ability to execute your organization’s strategy
• Break large, long-term strategic initiatives into smaller, achievable projects
• Map your own strategic goals against the vital points of success, failure and resistance
• Utilize skills that can gain and sustain support across organizational boundaries
• Identify ways to better align your strategy with departmental and organizational goals

• Using Mind Mapping to define and refine a strategic initiative
• Designing a strategic execution goal for a successful outcome and preparing for results
• Planning and leading an energizing launch for a strategic initiative-focused project
• Using plans, schedules, budgets and controls to track the progress of your strategic initiative 
• Overcoming opposition and unforeseen obstacles using political skills and creative problem solving

Learning Objectives

• Define Strategy Execution and the Critical Elements Necessary for Success
• Develop a Strategy Execution Goal and Plan
• Launch the Strategic Initiative, and Drive the Plan Through a Supportive Infrastructure
• Keep the Strategic Initiative on Track to Achieve Results That Can Be Replicated and Celebrated

Strategy Execution—What and Why

• Explain What Strategy Execution Is and Why It Is Critical to Your Success on the Job
• Use Mind Mapping to Define/Refine a Strategic Initiative
• Develop a Fast Forward Project to Further a Strategic Initiative

Prepare for Results

• Describe Why Taking Responsibility for Strategy Execution Is a Critical Part of Your Job
• Define and Document a Strategic Initiative Charter, and Design Elements of a Strategic Initiative
• Diagnose the Best Approach for Connecting with Key Stakeholders to Gain Input on and Support for Your Strategic Initiative
• Identify Any Necessary Adjustments to a Proposed Strategy
• Complete a Map of the Key Players Involved in a Strategic Initiative

Create Supporting Infrastructure

• Plan and Lead an Energizing Launch for a Fast Forward Project
• Use Plans, Schedules, Budgets, and Controls to Track the Progress of Your Fast Forward Project
• Articulate Expectations and Accountability

Adjust When Things Arise

• Use Political Skills to Win Over Constituents and Overcome Opposition to a Strategic Initiative or Fast Forward Project
• Use Creative Problem Solving to Overcome Unforeseen Risks, Delays, and Obstacles to Executing a Strategic Initiative or Fast Forward Project

Celebrate Success and Capture Learning

• Manage the Intense Push to Get the Final Result During a Fast Forward Project
• Complete a Post-Execution Analysis of a Strategic Initiative, and Apply That Learning to the Next Project
• Recognize the Importance of Celebrating the End of a Project