Is your strategy working, and is execution on track?

There are several reasons why a strategy or its execution may fall short of expectations; therefore, regular reviews are essential to ensure alignment and effectiveness.

Key factors that can impact success include:

1) Not taking enough time initially to ensure everyone clearly understands the strategy and its rationale

Strategies can be high-level. Ensure that your team fully understands the business strategy and its personal implications when it is translated into departmental goals. Reading and discussing the strategy multiple times can ensure clarity and alignment.

2) The strategy’s goals or benefits are too high-level

The team understands the strategy, but the goals and desired outcomes lack clear definition. In this situation, break down goals into smaller, specific objectives, and identify clear metrics to track performance.?

One approach is to use the Objectives and Key Results (OKR) goal-setting framework*, e.g.,

Objective 1: Improve IT Project Delivery

Key Result:?Complete 90% of IT projects?on time and within budget in 2025

Objective 2: Drive Digital Transformation

Key Result: Launch 2 digital initiatives?that align with the company’s strategic goals by Q2 2025

*OpenAI. (2024).?ChatGPT (v2.0). OKR IT examples retrieved from https://www.openai.com/chatgpt

3)?Insufficient feedback and buy-in

The team may not be taking full ownership for execution. Some team members may have felt the goals were unrealistic and didn’t fully buy-in or communicate their disagreement. They are now hitting emotional or practical obstacles and progress is slower as a result.?Reach out and ensure team members give their opinion.

4) Issues and obstacles are not addressed early enough?

Alignment or execution issues are arising but not being communicated in a timely manner. Strategy and its execution can be complex; team members may have blind spots or be wrestling with problems before sharing them.

One way of checking on progress is to have a weekly stand-up meeting with the team, to air and seek feedback on progress, issues, and help needed — as well as to communicate any changes to strategy.

5) Lack of accountability for delivery or reporting progress?

If responsibility for delivery, tracking and reporting is not clear, tasks may not get done. Ambiguous roles and responsibilities can lead to confusion.

Specific strategy objectives should be assigned to named individuals; a project manager or project management office can be tasked with coordinating regular status reports.?

In summary, while several factors can contribute to a strategy or its execution falling short, by conducting regular reviews, staying vigilant to potential issues, and engaging in proactive management, leaders can ensure their strategies deliver the desired outcomes.

What are your thoughts??