- June 11, 2024
- by Linus Okorie, MFR
- CEOs Desk
- 456 Views
Leadership, in its truest form, is an art, with execution playing the starring role while strategy serves as the script. The term strategy is derived from the Greek word "strategia," which means the ability to achieve a complex battle goal. Execution, on the other hand, refers to the practical, hands-on work required to implement the strategy effectively.
In the modern business world, common “battles” include executing a business strategy or talent recruitment. Regardless of the context, the only valid strategy is one that can be executed. Execution is vital in leadership. Ideas, however grand, remain intangible without action. Execution is the bridge between what could be and what is; it is the process of transforming vision into reality. In leadership, execution demands a combination of foresight, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of goals.
“Execution demonstrates a leader’s commitment to results.” ~ Linus Okorie.
Execution demonstrates a leader's commitment to results. The ability to execute is what distinguishes true leaders from mere visionaries. It is a skill that balances creativity with pragmatism, ambition with realism, and strategy with action. Without execution, leadership is an unrealized potential, failing to convert vision into tangible outcomes. As Thomas Edison famously noted, “vision without implementation is just hallucination.”
According to a survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit, 61% of executives admitted that their firms struggled with bridging the gap between strategy formulation and execution. This “execution gap” often leads to strategic initiatives falling short of their potential impact. Here are a few execution gaps and how to mitigate them.
Miscommunication or unclear directives can lead to misunderstandings about strategic goals and individual responsibilities. This can result in misaligned efforts, inefficiencies, and missed deadlines, ultimately derailing the execution of the strategy.
Tools like project management software and regular team meetings can help maintain clarity.
Insufficient financial, human, or technological resources can severely limit the ability to execute a strategy. Projects may stall, quality may suffer, and opportunities can be missed, leading to frustration and a loss of morale among team members.
Prioritize resource allocation based on strategic importance and flexible resourcing options.
A lack of necessary skills or inadequate training can prevent your team from effectively executing their tasks. This can lead to subpar performance, errors, and a failure to achieve strategic objectives.
Invest in continuous learning and development programs, and provide regular training sessions to ensure that employees have the skills needed to succeed.
Without clear accountability, there is no ownership of tasks and outcomes, leading to a lack of responsibility for execution.
Establish clear roles and responsibilities, set measurable goals, and hold individuals accountable for their performance. Implement regular performance reviews and feedback sessions to ensure accountability and recognize achievements.
Without proper monitoring and feedback mechanisms, it is difficult to track progress and make necessary adjustments. This can lead to unnoticed errors, misaligned efforts, and an inability to achieve strategic objectives.
Implement robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress and progress reports.
By understanding and addressing these challenges, organizations can improve their ability to move from strategy to execution, ensuring that their strategic goals are achieved efficiently and effectively. This proactive approach helps in transforming visionary ideas into tangible results, driving sustained success and competitive advantage.
Linus Okorie MFR is a leadership development expert spanning 27 years in the research, teaching and coaching of leadership in Africa and across the world. He is the CEO of the GOTNI Leadership Centre.
