Strategy definition and execution
Effective operations are a pre-requisite for success. Visionary strategy, defined and executed makes the difference
For teams to deliver they must share information, conversing about daily operations, new directions and how to implement change
At StrategyWorks we offer facilitated workshops and one-on-one coaching based on well-defined models or frameworks to:
- Define strategy
- Translate strategy
- Execute strategy
Define Strategy
Strategy usually emerges from numerous conversations over an extended period. Those involved in the discourse characteristically read or listen to new ideas and reflect on what they learn between strategic discussions. More often than not, this is not a neat, clinical listing of issues with decisions tabled, seconded and ratified. In spite of this, there are excellent conversation models for stimulating conversation on the possible futures to highlight fruitful directions. There comes a time to bring everyone together to work through some of these models to peg points of agreement and make final decisions on areas where the way forward may not be so obvious. Effective execution depends on clear strategic decisions. These decisions can be made in the ‘Define Strategy’ engagement. At StrategyWorks we organise the discourse into three broad areas:
- Who are you?
- Where are you now?
- Where do you want to be?
The frameworks within each area of discourse provide a structure for interaction. Teams look back, around, inside and forward. Participants reach insights, make decisions and take away questions for reflection. At the end of the process they are ready to agree their approach. This is the first step in the next area of discourse in which we ask:
- How will you get there?
With the strategy formulated in various models, the team is ready for the next step; ‘Translate strategy’
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Translate strategy
- How will you get there?
- What are the first steps you need to take?
Here they converge their thinking into a set of decisions. They capture the detail of their decisions in a Strategy Map. We assist them to create a single page view of their strategy. The Strategy Map forms the basis of the Balanced Scorecard as well as the foundation from which to create the various plans required to execute strategy.
Execute strategy
‘Define the Strategy’ and ‘Translate the Strategy’ set the leader team up to execute.
A solid plan is an asset in this phase but no-one can perfectly predict the unexpected. Leaders therefore benefit from set meetings to review operations and strategy. We usually agree these meetings as part of the ‘Translate Strategy’ process.
At StrategyWorks we also believe that carefully defined and executed projects are the best way to execute strategy. And for this we have a well developed planning offer consisting of a number of different types of Project Workshops.
Sometimes however the ‘hidden unexpected’ stops teams in their tracks. They stop look around but cannot see the obstacles. When this happens we, at StrategyWorks suggest an ‘Action Research’ intervention, to collect information, analyse causes and agree a way forward.
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