Strategy and Execution are the same
Leaders, understanding the combined nature of 'strategy' and 'execution' can revolutionize your leadership approach. Here's the breakdown:
Strategy and execution are part of the same game. Forget the old-school thought that 'strategy' is the planning stage and 'execution' is merely carrying it out. Roger Martin advocates that they're both about making crucial decisions amidst uncertainty, competition, and limitations. In fact, distinguishing between 'strategy' and 'execution' weakens both.
They feed each other. Paul Leinwand agrees and asserts that strategy and execution are like two peas in a pod. Successful organizations treat them as a feedback loop, and good leaders become 'Strategic Executors'. Insights gained from 'doing' immediately circle back to shape 'thinking'. There is no strategy without 'doing' and no execution without 'thinking'.
Navigate, don't dictate. If strategy and execution are two sides of the same coin, then leaders should morph from 'dictator' to 'navigator'. Set a course, but let the better-placed people make the relevant decisions.
This approach leads to winning. Take a leaf from Toyota, Haier, and Four Seasons' book. By viewing strategy and execution as a dynamic duo, they've seen stellar outcomes. Trust your teams, reap the benefits.
Keep learning, keep adapting. 'Strategy' and 'Execution' aren't set in stone; they should be evolving arms of decision-making. Never stop tweaking; real-time privileged insights can make a world of difference.
Bottom line? Differentiating 'strategy' and 'execution' is a philosophical distraction. But the way that you juggle them is what drives your organization forward. So, here's the winning formula: lead them with harmony, get your teams involved, and watch your success skyrocket.