We’ve all heard the cliches: hope is not a strategy, success is no accident, insanity is doing the same things over and over and expecting a different result. Each of these phrases reminds us that there is a link between what we do and the results we get.
Sure, sometimes luck plays a role. Sometimes shooting free throws wearing a blindfold will sink a basket. But if we remove the blindfold, our chances of success are much greater.
Creating a winning organization follows this tenet. Success is highly unlikely without both intent and action towards improvement. As the saying goes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Turning intentions into action is a discipline that doesn’t happen by accident, it is a deliberate choice.
Often leaders know what to do, but there is a gap between knowing and doing. They get caught up in reacting, operating day-to-day, meandering with no deliberate strategy for developing a strategic planning process. This is a losing approach; success requires time and resources directed towards proactive change. The good news is the answers are out there! Today more than ever we have access to the data, research, and proven techniques that if applied will have a direct and positive impact on results.
It can seem complex and overwhelming, but this is where some guidance can help. As in other parts of our lives, when we set a goal and want to change our habits, we look for an advisor or coach. We see this often in fitness centres when people hire a trainer to help them tackle a fitness or health goal. The trainer listens, teaches, creates a customized program and holds them accountable to it. Good business advisors do the same. They teach, coach, customize and hold leaders and their teams accountable for the changes they want to make.
Community also plays an important role in the journey to excellence. Joining a community of like-minded leaders can open the door to new insights and relationships. We become like the people we spend time with, so being intentional about who those people are matters greatly and can be a significant positive influence.
Winning through execution is a choice, and it begins by making the decision to start.
Strategy and Execution Processes for Success
In winning organizations, having a strategic planning process in hand helps to define actions and processes executed by every employee that are coordinated and linked to a common purpose. It’s like an orchestra made up of dozens of instruments and players combining their individual, second-by-second actions to create a symphony. And like an orchestra, one player or instrument that is out of time or tune can disrupt the entire performance.
These organizations focus on developing disciplined execution behaviours, habits if you will, in the following areas that make up a strong execution system:
- A common and inspiring vision and culture.
- Cascading long and short-term plans.
- Clear lines of responsibility and accountability.
- World-class talent management techniques.
- Well-defined core processes with ongoing improvement.
- Humble and transparent leadership.
Within each of these categories, there are best practices, tried-and-true models to follow that research has shown have a direct and positive impact on results. And the good news is that improvement in one area often starts to influence other areas. For example, having a vibrant and inspiring culture will start to attract better talent. You just need to start developing successful strategic planning.
To add one further saying, “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Building a winning company takes more than intentions. It doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a choice.
Make Business More Predictable
We have identified four themes that capture the patterns we have seen working with winning companies—those who execute on their goals—and their leadership teams. They have all recognized that:
- It’s A Choice
Winning through execution. - It’s A Long-Term Commitment
Purpose as a driver of strategy. - People Trump Everything
Finding and developing top talent. - Leaders Lead Change
Guidance through the change valley.
Today we covered the second theme but be sure to stay tuned for the next three blogs in our Predictable Business five-part blog series. Each blog article will be covering one of the four themes listed above so you can better equip yourself to reach predictable success.
If you’re eager to start today, you can download our full guide now to start learning how to achieve greater predictability in your business with bonus access to an assessment quiz. This will help showcase how ready you and your organization are to thrive in these times of uncertainty, identify some areas of opportunity, and contains further advice with some suggested action steps.
Next Steps
If you’re ready for a more customized approach, the Results team wants to help! Book a chat with a member of our team for professional advice to improve business strategy and execution.
