Deep Insights July 2010

Strategy execution reviews are an assignment to assess organizational performance but in today’s technology revolution an environment of transparency must permeate the organization. Is transparency culturally accepted? Are we at the right place at the right time? Have we kept current strategy as a number one priority? Do we monitor everyone’s contribution? Do we reward results over effort? These guiding questions should carry positive responses from Management and Employees.

Five steps are necessary to anticipate positive answers to these questions:

1)Execution of strategy begins with a navigational measurement process which will determine areas that require more resources before the organization falls behind.

2) The process of creating navigational measurements should begin by tracking the learning required to achieve successful execution. If the organization is not learning new skills to create processes that enhance customer perspective, the difficulty of reaching financial goals grows exponentially more cumbersome.

3) Forums must be designed to keep learning in everyone’s view. These forums will become an integral tool to keep focus on priorities and not allow crisis to hinder current activities required to successfully reach strategy execution.

4) Crisis is not an excuse to postpone but an opportunity to develop ambidextrous skills. Organizations must summon and reach deep to solve the crisis and stay in touch with the future strategy.

5) Public dashboards should display success or failure for all observers and be on display for all to view. There are no secrets; transparency promotes candid conversations which lead to collaboration and creative resolution for crisis and strategy execution.

Transparency is a way of life that allows organizations to achieve continued success. They develop ambidextrous skills dealing with day to day crises yet maintain their resolve to lead themselves into executing strategy for the future. Transparency becomes the stage for recognition of those who choose results over effort.