Moving from strategy to implementation is one of the biggest challenges for many organizations. Despite clear goals and ambitious plans, many companies get stuck in talking about the strategy rather than actually managing to implement it on a day-to-day basis - making it a reality. But why is it so difficult?
We also know that if we create the conditions for strategy implementation, many other things will also fall into place, including strengthening the three basic needs for intrinsic motivation, which in itself strengthens your chances of success. It is complex and every organization, individual and culture is different. My and Rolf's goal is to help make it easier for organizations, leaders and every employee to contribute to making your strategy a reality. We help you bring the whole together from your purpose and your strategy to your system / way of working for implementation.
James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, sums it up brilliantly: "We don't rise to the level of our goals, we fall to the level of our system."
It is not the goals themselves that determine success - it is the systems, structures and habits we create to get there.
- A strategy without a functioning implementation system is just a wish.
- A company without clear ways of working risks getting stuck in firefighting instead of development.
- A leader without the right support structures will find it difficult to drive change and create long-term results.
So the question we should ask ourselves is not just: "How do we reach our goal?" but rather: "How do we create a system that allows us to naturally move in the right direction - every day?"
The strategy pyramid - an overview model
One model that helps us understand what it takes to succeed is The Strategy Pyramid by Wendy McGuinness. It shows that we need three basic elements in place:
- WHY - Top of the Pyramid: Purpose. Why do we exist as an organization? What do we aspire to become?
- HOW - The center of the pyramid: the strategy. How will we achieve our purpose?
- WHAT - Bottom of the pyramid: System / approach for implementation. What to do - clear and tangible?
But we know that a strategy on paper makes no difference. It is the people in the organization who bring the strategy to life. It is our behaviors, habits and priorities that determine whether we succeed. So how do we create the right conditions for success?
Establish a system / systematic approach that:
- Creates clarity and anchoring around our WHY, HOW and WHAT.
- Helps us focus on the right priorities - so we do what really matters.
- Supports effective leadership and monitoring.
- Reflection and feedback engage and drive implementation forward.
Having this in place also requires the right conditions in terms of time, will and patience.
Avoid getting stuck in the operational
One risk is the imbalance between operational and strategic work. Many organizations get caught up in firefighting, putting off long-term work - again and again.
It is said that seven out of ten strategic decisions are never implemented. Perhaps one of the explanations is that one of these important foundations is missing?
What have you seen work best in your organization? Please share your thoughts!
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