Summary
Business leaders need to be strategic, but organizational and personal obstacles can hinder translating strategy into action. Overcoming these obstacles involves making systematic choices that contribute positively to your strategy every day. Here are six actionable ways to incorporate strategy into your daily practices.
1. Identify the Actions that Matter
Focus your attention on activities that significantly contribute to your strategy.
Example:
Mary, a CEO, felt overwhelmed by requests and meetings, limiting her focus on important tasks. By mapping out her ideal week and delegating non-urgent tasks, she became more decisive and productive.
Steps:
- Write down your team’s strategy and how it aligns with the organization’s goals.
- Select a time frame (e.g., the upcoming week) to focus on.
- List impactful actions you can take to support the strategy.
- Prioritize actions like critical decision-making, identifying customer signals, and encouraging new ways of thinking.
- Schedule time for visibility with employees and stakeholders, governance tasks, and include a buffer for emergencies.
2. Focus on the Most Important Problem
Addressing the biggest problem at hand can significantly impact your strategic outcomes.
Example:
Tom, a CEO, asks his team three questions in every session:
- What is the biggest opportunity we have to address?
- Why does it matter?
- What do we need to do to address this opportunity?
Steps:
- Identify the most pressing problem.
- Understand how solving it aligns with your strategic goals.
- Develop a clear plan of action to address the problem.
3. Explore the Choices You Face
Recognize the various choices available in any situation and how they can contribute to your strategy.
Example:
Michael, a CFO, presented a board paper through a short video and a visual illustration, showcasing his strategic thinking and creativity, resulting in positive feedback and approval of the venture.
Steps:
- Determine what role you need to play in each situation.
- Leverage your unique strengths and capabilities.
- Aim to make a memorable impact through your actions.
- Continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow.
4. Master the Capabilities Required
Identify and develop the skills necessary to contribute effectively to your strategy.
Example:
Patricia, a business unit president, focused on improving her customer-facing skills, resulting in positive responses from clients and a sharper team focus.
Steps:
- Learn from past efforts.
- Seek advice from trusted colleagues.
- Observe and collaborate with high-performing individuals.
- Focus on specific improvements in your skills.
5. Create Alignment Between Elements of the Strategy
Strive to align individual strategic choices with the needs of stakeholders, the organization, and your team.
Example:
If tasked with improving short-term profitability while aiming for long-term innovation, reframe your approach to find innovative ways to meet immediate goals without losing sight of your broader ambitions.
Steps:
- Identify potential trade-offs and lags in decision-making.
- Gather missing information to make informed choices.
- Reframe tasks to align organizational needs with personal and team goals.
6. Assemble the Resources You Need
Ensure you have the necessary resources to make informed and strategic decisions daily.
Steps:
- Prioritize foundational resources: healthy nutrition, exercise, sleep, personal interests, and strong relationships.
- Develop additional resources:
- Mental: Use positive visualization and recall past successes.
- Relational: Surround yourself with supportive and complementary individuals.
- Environmental: Optimize your workspace for productivity.
By systematically addressing both organizational and personal obstacles, you can enhance your ability to translate strategic intent into action. Implement these six strategies to navigate daily challenges and make your strategy a success.
David Lancefield. “6 Ways to Bring Strategy into Your Work Every Day.” Harvard Business Review, July 12, 2024. https://hbr.org/2024/07/6-ways-to-bring-strategy-into-your-work-every-day