Making the strategy happen requires more than a plan - it requires action and collaboration.
Turning strategy into reality - how do we do it in everyday life? There is no simple answer to this question. Conditions differ from one company and organization to another. But there are factors that can help, and some of them are mentioned here.
Strategy implementation is a shared responsibility
Successfully translating strategy into action requires the involvement of the whole organization. We have different perspectives and competences, and it is when we work together that we can create real change. Within the chain, we have different needs and contribute in different ways to achieving the strategy.
The strategy only becomes a reality when we know where we are going, why it is important and how we can all contribute. This requires that we want and work in the same direction.
Our collective behaviors - a key success factor
We need to know which behaviors are most important for achieving our performance goals, whether it is profitability, work environment or efficiency. The focus should be on the behaviors that drive results.
Five basic factors for behavior change
For behavior change to be successful, five basic factors need to be clear:
- Where are we going? What is the goal and why is it important?
- What behaviors lead us there? What roles are involved?
- Do those involved have the skills for these behaviors?
- Is it possible to perform the behaviors? Are there obstacles?
- Is there the motivation to change? Or is the old way of working more appealing?
Research shows that these factors are crucial. One study (Frykman et al., 2014) compared two emergency departments that were to introduce teamwork. One was successful - the other was not. The difference was that the successful unit ensured all five points.
OBM - research-based and practical
Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) focuses on the smallest component of change - our behaviors. Understanding why we do what we do provides the keys to influencing behaviour in the organization. OBM does not replace other models of organizational change, but complements them.
The behavioral analysis in OBM is based on three steps:
- Something triggers a behavior (A)
- The person acts (B)
- Something happens after the behavior (C) - it feels good or bad, or produces a certain result
What happens after the behavior affects whether it is repeated. If it feels good or has a positive outcome, it is more likely to be repeated.
(Source: https://lornudd.se/obm)
Everyday conditions - our approach to success
For the behaviors that drive results to emerge and persist, we need to create a 'system' - a common and established way of working, routines and habits.
Clarity, follow-up and feedback are key elements of this 'system'.
Leadership and ongoing communication are crucial.
Success then lies in acting in this system - over time.
You as a leader are important. To be the leader you need and want to be, you need the right conditions. Take advantage of tools and systems that make your everyday life easier, and that complement your leadership, your relationship with employees and your ongoing dialog.
Find ways for you and your team to collaborate and work smart. Adapt and develop your ways of working and tools to make it easier and more fun to contribute - by clearly seeing where you are going, understanding your own how and getting support along the way.
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit"
(Aristotle)
The leader's best friend
There are tools that make everyday life easier and help leaders turn strategy into action. With Rolf, it becomes easier to activate the entire organization, get employees to understand what is expected and give managers clear tools to follow up - at the right time. The result is stronger implementation, better goal achievement and an organization that feels good along the way.
Rolf is well in line with OBM. Defining clear behaviors, activities at the individual level creates the conditions for the leader to coach and lead each individual. It also facilitates self-leadership and we can get a momentum where everyone knows how they contribute in their everyday lives.
It is the individual's actions, behaviors and priorities that determine whether we succeed. Here we create answers to questions like: What activities should be performed? What behaviors are needed and need to be developed? How can we continuously follow up and support the process?
A unique opportunity for those who want to put strategy into action starting in January 2026
Right now, as a CEO or leader, you have the opportunity to take a concrete step towards stronger strategy execution. I work closely with Rolf Nordic, who have recently updated their tool with a clear focus on making strategy happen - in everyday life, through behaviors.
I januari startar vi ett Proof of Concept-projekt med ett färdigt koncept som även inkluderar nätverkande mellan deltagande företag.
Vi söker nu 10 organisationer som vill delta under tre månader och testa ett unikt arbetssätt för att omsätta strategi till handling – med fokus på beteendeförändring, uppföljning och affärsresultat. Det här är en möjlighet att få stöd i att konkretisera strategin, aktivera organisationen och skapa verklig framdrift – tillsammans med andra ledare som vill samma sak. Läs mer och anmäl ditt intresse här:
https://info.rolf.se/poc
I januari startar också ledarprogrammet för dig som vill få rätt saker att hända. Här får du möjlighet att tillsammans med Lena och andra i samma situation lära dig mer om framgångsfaktorerna i strategigenomförande, prova och reflektera och utbyta erfarenheter. Strategin blir verklighet när vi arbetar tillsammans, med rätt fokus, rätt verktyg och ett ledarskap som gör skillnad. Läs mer och anmäl ditt intresse här: Expediams Ledarpogram för dig som vill få rätt saker att hända!
Vi har också samarbetspartners som kan hjälpa er att utveckla ert styrelsearbete och även att skapa riktigt bra strategier. Hör av dig för mer information.
Executive summary
Strategy implementation is not an isolated activity - it is a shared commitment that requires clarity, collaboration and a concrete focus on behaviors. To make the strategy a reality, the whole organization needs to be involved, from board to staff. When everyone knows where you're going, why it's important and how they themselves contribute, it creates direction and commitment.
OBM, Organizational Behavior Management, can help us understand and influence the behaviors that drive results and give us the keys to create real momentum.
Med rätt systemstöd, tydliga beteenden och en kultur av uppföljning och återkoppling kan du som ledare skapa förutsättningar för att strategin inte bara planeras – utan faktiskt genomförs. Verktyg som Rolf hjälper dig att konkretisera, följa upp och aktivera hela organisationen. Passa på att ta del av möjligheterna att redan med start i januari stärka era förutsättningar antingen genom projektet Proof of Concept och/eller Ledarprogrammet.
Text by: Lena Dyrberg, Expediam, ROLF Preferred partner