Strategy Execution

Basic Business Cents

Football coaches are fond of explaining a loss by assuring reporters that they had a sound game plan but the players just didn’t execute. In my opinion, that is just a cop out by insecure coaches as they have the responsibility to prepare the players. Tragically, that is also often the case in business.

Strategy Execution is an interesting term, but does that mean to implement it or kill it?  Unfortunately in many organizations strategy faces a slow death by neglect. It is just as necessary to develop and follow up on an execution plan, as it is to develop the strategic plan. Words without action are useless.

But, development and execution are not the only elements of good strategy management; communication and revision are also key elements to address.

Typically organizations look at their strategy as either brilliant or mediocre and their execution as brilliant or mediocre. The aim of the organization is usually developed by the top executive, followed by the top management team, who develops the strategy to reach that aim. This strategy is then handed down to employees to execute. In this way, each group can blame the other if desired results are not obtained.

We must remember that each employee has a brain and it is an asset that should not be overlooked by management. In addition, employees are closer to the work and usually closer to the customers.

Upon development of the strategy, it must be communicated to all employees in such manner that they fully understand and embrace it. In the past, strategy was often considered company confidential and many employees were considered to not have a need to know; they were just considered as arms and legs to do what they were told.

To obtain that level of understanding and enthusiastic buy in, in-depth discussion needs to be held with management willing to listen with an open mind to feedback. Ideally, all employees would be involved in the development of the strategy but that is not always possible. All people need to understand that communication is comprised of two parts, sending and receiving, so time must shared equally between presenting and listening. Reasons for the strategy, assumptions made, rationale, marketplace trends, available technology, etc., should be discussed and understood. It is always a good idea to document the assumptions because often we cannot remember at a later date why we made certain decisions.

Following the communication sessions, the strategy implementation can commence. The strategy is cascaded downward through the organization with each level defining the action required of them to meet the overall strategy. Leaders should be identified for each strategy and progress monitored at monthly meetings. Management should visit all work areas and discuss what problems are being encountered with the implementation of the new strategy. With full understanding of the strategy, the employees should feel empowered, not constrained. If not, management needs to investigate the obstacles and remove them. At this time, management needs to be flexible and if real problems are encountered, be willing to review and adjust the strategy. Mutual trust and respect must be obtained, up, down, and across the organization, so that employees are enabled and empowered to change if needed. A good strategic plan is a living document and grows with implementation and changes in the market. It should be dynamic, growing, and exciting.

Good strategy management does not just consist of development and execution, either of which can be brilliant or mediocre, but four elements-development, communication, execution, and revision. It then become “our plan” and is in a constant state of continual improvement, always keeping the aim in mind.

Written Communication

Basic Business Cents

"I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia. It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma; but perhaps there is a key. That key is Russian national interest." Winston Churchill in a radio broadcast in 1939

No, this not a political article but the quotation is useful to point another puzzle wrapped in an enigma that we are faced with today. Communicating through writing is essential in the modern world and is becoming ever more so as we participate in the information age. Yet, the current generation is thought to have terrible writing skills and use of proper grammar. We are living in an era where we have a flood of information but a drought of knowledge. We need to overcome this puzzle wrapped in a riddle if we want to be successful.

Written communication is more permanent and raises accountability. It is a lasting document that can be used for reference, guidance, and holds the author accountable for the truth of the document. Therefore, care must be put into the content. Fortunately, time can be taken to proof read, think about what is said, how others may interpret or misinterpret, and whether it clearly conveys the intention of the author. This is not always the case with oral communications.

Written communications need to be complete, concise, clear, and courteous. The document should contain the facts needed to support the aim of the communication but only those pertinent. It should rarely be more than one page long or it is in danger of being put aside until the reader finds time. Most people are very busy today and that time to read long treatises rarely is found. At the same time, do not fall victim of saving time by using acronyms. They mean something to the author but often not the reader. I sometimes jokingly say, “I would like to stamp out all acronyms ASAP” to prove a point. I need to follow my own advice; ASAP stands for As Soon As Possible.

It helps to clarify intent if you use active verbs to be more action oriented, and clearer about what you want to accomplish. Improper grammar can cause the reader to focus on mistakes and miss the point of the message.

Always remember to be courteous; don’t burn bridges that will haunt you later. Remember written documents are permanent. You are more likely to receive support and cooperation if you show respect and trust.

Emails have become a common means of communication and most of the common sense rules above are applicable in this medium as well. We tend to become lazy, hurried, and less formal with emails, but they are still are permanent documents in which we need to take care.

The first, and maybe most important, thing to remember about emails is to choose the subject line carefully. It may determine whether the reader opens the email. Clearly define the topic, relevant times and places, and key words. Personalize the subject line if possible.

Use only one topic per email and keep it short and to the point. Bullet points and formatting are helpful in adding clarity and conciseness.  Other rules above apply. If action is required, list desired results and times involved.

If replying to emails, direct your response to only those who have a need to see it; don’t hit reply to all if not required, so you are not cluttering up their inboxes.

In this age of smart phone messages, tablet computers, and other electronic help, writing skill is more important than ever to business success. If only I had paid more attention and studied grammar harder in school.