Breaking through the "Strexecution Point"

By Wayne Nelsen

Where organizations tend to falter is not in the planning process, but in managing the execution of the plan.  They fail to successfully break through what Kelly and I call the "strexecution point".  Over the next several posts I want to talk through how to ensure that your organization can break through and achieve your organizational initiatives.

So what is the strexecution point?  It's the point of transition between strategy and execution. It is at this point that many management teams seem to hit a wall and stop.  Once they have a plan, they fail to recognize the importance of dynamically managing the execution of that strategy.  Instead, they allow it to be eclipsed by the urgency of day-to-day activities.

It's no secret that many organizations are better at planning than execution.  Planning is easier than executing.  However, if I had to make a choice, I would rather run an organization that is great at execution even if it is weak in planning than an organization that is great at planning and weak in execution.  With great execution management, I can make adjustments quickly and make up for planning weaknesses.  However, no amount of planning can make up for poor execution.   

Make sure your team doesn't let up after the planning phase by putting the plan on the shelf while they go back to handling the urgency of day to day activities. You must follow through with strategy-driven execution management.  This is what will allow some organizations to thrive and take advantage of the current economic conditions to increase market share while others are focused on simply surviving.

The key to successful navigation through the strexecution point will be the subject of our next several posts.