ValuExecBlog

Strategy Execution from the heart

You might have guessed it by now, but I am passionate about strategy execution. I feel it every time I go into a company and am told that plans are not being met because of poor execution as a result of people, or processes or even customers. We know from research that companies lose about 40% of strategy in execution, so it stands to reason that there is so much to be gained if corporate leaders simply focused on the execution of strategy. But unfortunately, research again tells us that leaders tend to spend 85% of their time on operational issues, i.e., putting out fires, rather than on execution.

With all the doom and gloom that we are reading about in the world press today, it is easy to become like the proverbial rabbit caught paralyzed in the headlights of an on-coming car, and it will take every effort to move out of the glare of the headlights and into the safety of the unknown. And that is what makes it all the more exciting. Safety can and will be found in the unknown and not in the known. Safety will be found not with what makes us comfortable but with that which makes us uncomfortable.

If companies want to survive, they will need to improve their execution. And for those of us who are passionate about execution, we will need to find alternative ways that we can bring to companies to help them execute better and faster; ways that are not complex, but are customized to suit the particular company, its people, processes and its customers. One-size will not fit all.  

Yes, Siree! I am looking forward to an exciting 2012.

Yours in execution.

ian 

Strategy Execution is like Golf

Executing strategy is like playing golf. One day, you can have a great game and the next day, just when you think you are mastering the sport - you can have a shocking round. What makes golf the ultimate experience is that no two rounds of golf are ever the same. Natural elements change; what happens between your ears changes; where your ball lands on the fairways or on the greens is never the same and your approach to the flag is never the same. But you do the best that you can with the skills and tools (your clubs, etc) that you have on the day. And so it is with strategy execution. Nothing is ever the same from one day to the next let alone from one year to the next. And so you make do with the skill sets and tools that you have. 

 Before you hit a shot in golf, you have to be aware of every element that might impact how you hit the ball and where it might land. It is the same with strategy execution. Know the course you are playing; which way the wind is blowing; which elements will come into play, what clubs are in your bag and make sure you get yourself a great caddie.

Yours in execution.

ian

Caffeine Fix #10: Draw a line in the sand!

Herewith our Caffeine Fix # 10 from the authors of 'Rework':

'You have to believe in something. You need to have a backbone. You need to know what you're willing to fight for. And then you need to show the world. We're (37Signals) willing to lose some customers if it means that others love our products intensely. That's our line in the sand.'

At Valufacture Solutions, our line in the sand is the value we create. If we don't add value - we don't charge regardless of how many hours we spend on a project.

What's your and your company's line in the sand?

Yours in execution.

ian 

Caffeine Fix #9: Start making something

Today's caffeine fix brought to you by the authors of Rework

 

'What you do is what matters, not what you think or say or plan. Until you actually start making something , your brilliant idea is just that, an idea. And everyone's got one of those.The real question is how well you execute.'

                               Rework:Fried.J; Hansson.D.H; Founders of 37 Signals

 

Yours in execution.

ian

 

Rework Caffeine Fix # 8: Scratch your own itch

Something worth thinking about as you start your day. Again from the authors of Rework at 37 Signals:

Rework Caffeine Fix # 8: Scratch your own itch:

     "The easiest, most straightforward way to create a great product or service is to make something you want to use. If you're solving someone else's problem, you're constantly stabbing in the dark. When you build what you need, you can also assess the quality of what you make quickly and directly, instead of by proxy. Best of all, this 'solve your own problem' approach lets you fall in love with what you're making."

Yours in execution,

ian   

Rework Caffeine Fix # 7: Make a Dent in the Universe

I just love this pearl of wisdom from the Authors of Rework at 37 Signals:

Rework Caffeine Fix # 7: Make a Dent in the Universe

     "To do great work, you need to feel that you're making a difference. This doesn't mean you need to find a cure for cancer. It's just that your efforts need to feel valuable. You should feel an urgency about this too. You don't have forever. This is your life's work. What you do is your legacy. If you're going to do something, do something that matters."

Yours in execution.

ian

Rework Caffeine Fix # 6: Be a Starter

What a good way to start the day with this gem from the authors of Rework:

Rework Caffeine Fix # 6: Be a Starter

     "Let's retire the term entrepreneur. Instead of entrepreneurs, let's just call them starters. Everyone should be encouraged to start his own business. You just need an idea, a touch of confidence, and a push to get started."  (Page 28)

 

Yours in execution.

ian

Rework: Caffeine Fix # 5: Workaholism

Herewith our morning caffeine fix from the authors of Rework to get our brains - well, reworking.

 

Rework Caffeine Fix # 5: Workaholism

     "If all you do is work, you're unlikely to have sound judgments. Your values and decision making wind up skewed. No one makes sharp decisions when tired. Workaholics aren't heroes. They don't save the day, they just use it up. The real hero is already home because she figured out a faster way to get things done." (Page 26)

 

Yours in execution.

ian 

Rework: Caffeine Fix # 3: Planning is Guessing

Good morning all:

Herewith our Caffeine Fix # 3 from the authors of Rework:

 

Rework Caffeine Fix # 3: Planning is Guessing

     "Decide what you're going to do this week, not this year. Figure out the next most important thing and do that. It's OK to wing it. Just get on the plane & go."

 

Yours in execution.

ian 

Rework: Caffeine Fix # 2: Failure is not a rite of passage

Herewith our daily caffeine fix from the authors of Rework:

 

Rework Caffeine Fix # 2: Failure is not a rite of passage

     "Success is the experience that actually counts. It's exactly how nature works. Evolution doesn't linger on past failures, it's always building upon what worked. So should you." (Page 17)

 

Yours in execution,

ian