ValuExecBlog

The 4 Critical aspects of strategy planning that impact execution

It is that time of the year again when key executives either spend the next few days at some venue off-site or lock themselves away in the Corporate boardroom formulating their strategy for the next year or 3 years. Usually they emerged feeling enthused about the direction they have elected to take the company, or they emerge anxious at the daunting task ahead of them as they set about achieving the returns promised to various stakeholders of the company. Whichever emotion they emerge with, there are 4 critical aspects of  strategy and strategy planning that they should bear in mind:

1. Sound planning and clear, focused strategies at both the corporate and business levels are critical
2. Corporate and business strategies need to be integrated. They can not be pulling in opposite directions
3. The key operational components of the strategy need to be clearly defined and communicated together with the metrics used to measure execution results
4. A clear understanding of the resources and skills required if the company is to achieve the Strategy and the impact on the whole organization in providing those resources and capabilities

Should any executive emerge from their days of formulating strategy without giving a huge 'tick' next to each of these 4 critical issues, then you can bet that they will have trouble executing strategy from day 1.

I will tackle each of these 4 points over the coming weeks. Until then:

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