execute your strategy before it executes you Transform Strategic Planning into Strategic Action
execute your strategy before it executes you
Transform Strategic Planning into Strategic Action
goals of the presentation
• Understand the path from idea to execution
• Match your client’s desires with your company’s strengths
• Learn about the balancing act that builds momentum
exercise
• What is on your to-do list?
• Make notes on the handout
the 4 step sequence
Client’s Desires Company’s Strengths
balancing act
Upside
• Simple, simplify
• Quick to act and decide • Out-‐Of-‐The-‐Box solu;ons
Upside
• More op;ons
• Flexible, adaptable • Custom solu;ons
Downside
• Failure because of rigidity
• Simplis;c, narrow minded • Misses the mark
Downside
• ScaCered
• LiCle gets completed • Too complicated, requires
exper;se
Focus Possibili<es Focus into Ac;on
+
-‐
moving out of stuckness
Priori<ze
Simplify
Brainstorm
Add Complexity
More Focus More Possibili<es
moving out of stuckness
Priori<ze
• Force rank items
• Get feedback • Work with end in mind
Simplify
• Test – do something
• Create systems
• What’s the simplest scenario
Brainstorm
• Higher level inten;ons
• Surface assump;ons • Use Post-‐It notes
Add Complexity
• Handle more excep;ons
• Elaborate systems
• Look for subtle;es
More Focus More Possibili<es
1 – initialize and start
• Ask yourself……
– Am I too focused on the premise of one idea? • I dismiss thoughts because I can’t make it work… • Step back and question assumptions
– Am I too open to possible ideas? • I am pulled in many directions and overwhelmed… • Which idea has the most value for my clients with
the least effort/risk?
2 – explore and develop
• Ask yourself……
– Am I too focused on one option? • I am willing to shoot from the hip… • What are the possible consequences – good and
bad?
– Am I considering too many options? • I am in analysis paralysis… • Do the risks justify the effort?
3 – decide and act
• Ask yourself……
– Am I too focused on one solution? • I can’t decide - I need to know the outcome… • Test a few solutions and be prepared to learn
– Am I considering too many solutions? • I am so busy I can’t evaluate what works best… • Hit “Pause” – where is the best feedback? • Which one gets me to market the quickest?
4 – maintain and sustain
• Ask yourself……
– Am I too generic in my approach? • My clients complain about being boxed in… • What are the patterns in the exceptions?
– Am I supporting too many solutions? • Everything I do is a custom service… • Which aspect is commonly shared? • What can I train somebody else to do?
summary
• An idea moves through 4 steps from initiation to action. Value (The Money) is in Step 4.
• Don’t forget your clients…
• Balance Focus and Possibilities to maintain momentum.
final note
• This material is part of our larger consulting engagements – We work with small and medium-sized companies – Align teams
• Emergent Strategies: a 2-day course at UC Berkeley Extension
• Do you belong to a group that would find this presentation useful
contact us
Michael North: [email protected]
925-236-2296
Volker Frank: [email protected] 510-517-7232
http://www.EmergentHorizon.com