September 2010 Deep Insights

Many organizations develop strategy in an executive vacuum. Tactics are structured by managers who are removed from day to day responsibilities and activities. Execution is dictated to front line personnel through meetings, memos or directives. They are to do, not ask why; not point out flaws or make suggestions to enhance or change tactics or strategy; they are confronted with compliance. They are “CHOICELESS DOERS.”

Organizational research statistics gathered throughout the decades have established that more strategies fail than succeed. To understand this failure rate one must look to the structural dynamics of the strategy, tactics and implementation architecture used by organizations. Executives who create strategy represent 10% of the organization’s population and do not structure tactics. Managers or organizational staff personnel, who make up 20% of the organization, create tactics but are removed from those who are held accountable for execution. Those who are accountable for successful strategy and tactical execution represent 70% of the organization’s population. Consequently 30% of the population sets the criteria by which 70% of the population’s execution and strategy implementation, success or failure will be judged; 30% of the population demands compliance and can blame poor strategy or tactics on the 70% for non compliance. “CHOICELESS DOERS” are invisible.

Organizations that convert “CHOICELESS DOERS” to research analysts, active strategy evaluators and tactical testers raise their potential for successful implementation, beyond compliance to commitment. They encourage “CHOICELESS DOERS” to learn while executing. They are taught to make corrections and to analyze tactics, not place blame. They are given resources and coaching when struggling with failure. They are challenged to take risks. They are given a voice and responsibility with authority to alter unsuccessful tactics which inhibit strategic progress. They are recognized for their contribution to successfully implemented tactics for strategic goals. They become “EXPERT DOERS.”