What do you do if your employees are unaware of the company's strategy?

1 Assess Causes

To tackle the issue of employees being unaware of the company's strategy, start by identifying the root causes. It's possible that the strategy has not been communicated effectively, or perhaps it's too complex and employees find it difficult to understand how their work relates to it. Consider conducting surveys or informal discussions to gather feedback on what's hindering their understanding. This process will not only pinpoint the problem areas but also demonstrate your commitment to transparency and inclusivity in the strategic process.

2 Simplify Message

Once you've identified why employees are out of the loop, it's time to simplify the message. A company's strategy should be clear and concise, easily communicated through an 'elevator pitch' that every employee can grasp and relay. Break down the strategy into its core components and relate them to the everyday tasks and goals of your employees. Ensuring that the strategy is accessible and understandable will help employees see how their roles fit into the bigger picture.

3 Engage Regularly

Regular engagement is key to keeping your employees informed about the company's strategy. Schedule consistent meetings or workshops where the strategy is discussed, and progress is shared. Use these gatherings as platforms for employees to ask questions, offer feedback, and share ideas. This ongoing dialogue fosters a sense of ownership and engagement among your team, making the company's strategy a living, breathing aspect of their daily work life.

5 Recognize Efforts

Recognition plays a vital role in reinforcing the company's strategy. Acknowledge and reward employees who actively demonstrate their understanding and execution of the strategy in their work. This not only motivates them but also sets a precedent for other employees to follow. Recognition can be as simple as verbal praise in a meeting or more formal rewards such as bonuses or promotions. When employees see the tangible benefits of aligning with the company's strategy, they are more likely to internalize and advocate for it.

6 Adjust Strategy

Lastly, be prepared to adjust your strategy if necessary. The feedback from your employees might reveal aspects of the strategy that are unrealistic or misaligned with the company's capabilities. Embrace this feedback and work with your team to refine the strategy, making it more relevant and achievable. Remember, a strategy is not set in stone; it should evolve with the company's growth and the ever-changing business environment.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?