“Is Execution Where Strategy Goes to Die?” That is the headline of an article from Harvard Business Review online (11/7/17). That’s a funny, but sad, headline – because it is so true! The article goes on to say: “Execution is an odd word. On the one hand, it means ‘the carrying out of a plan or course of action.’ On the other, it means, ‘the carrying out of a death … [Read more...] about Aligning Your Strategy and Execution
strategy
Strategy KISS
We often overcomplicate things. Every now and then it helps to follow the KISS Principle: Keep It Super Simple. As someone who has written a book about strategy, and teaches both corporate strategy and nonprofit strategy at University of Maryland, I can definitely complicate strategic planning. But let’s keep it simple. The first thing I ever learned about strategy is … [Read more...] about Strategy KISS
Is Your Change Effort Ready to Launch?
Leading change is one of the most important – and challenging – senior leadership responsibilities. Unfortunately, research shows that most change efforts fail. While having a “sense of urgency” is widely regarded as important to a successful change effort, ironically – many efforts fail when a change is launched too soon. It takes a wise leader to balance the tension … [Read more...] about Is Your Change Effort Ready to Launch?
Your Strategy Refresh
The beginning of the year is a good time to look over your Strategy and give it a little refresh. The pace of change in our world seems to increase exponentially on a regular basis. This can frustrate a lot of people when they begin a Strategy effort. “What’s the point,” they may say, “the future is so unpredictable!” While this can be true, a solid Strategy will: … [Read more...] about Your Strategy Refresh
Align Your Strategy and Budget
What do you expect from your new strategy? Did you go through all of that strategic planning effort to decide to keep doing the same things? Are you just going to change the dates on the cover page and continue with the “same ‘ol, same ‘ol?” Never have I worked with an organization on their strategy who wants more of the same. They always want to be better. If you … [Read more...] about Align Your Strategy and Budget