Tired of Implementation Overload? 3 Tips for Prevention
May 8, 2019
If you’re tired of feeling scattered and stressed about implementation, try the following tips:
1. Break the cycle of everyone scattering to get back to “work” after strategic planning
As you are scheduling your strategic planning process, simultaneously schedule solid blocks of time for key stakeholders to get together and think strategically about implementation.
One of the most effective approaches is to jump-start strategic implementation by having teams dedicate a couple of days together to hammer out the priorities and necessary resources most likely to drive the success of the strategic plan. Keep the momentum going by regularly scheduling smaller blocks of time for the team to dig into strategic progress and, when necessary, agree on “recalculating the implementation route.”
2. Don’t immediately turn implementation over to the project team
Implementation is significantly better if the senior team follows the disciplined practice of Project Portfolio Management. This works because the same leaders who decide and drive strategy are also in the best position to understand the overall picture of priorities for human and financial resources. In order to effectively steer implementation of the strategy from the top, this group doesn’t need to be in the details, but they do need to articulate clear, concise objectives.
3. Stay focused on the big picture
The Project Portfolio Management process keeps the senior team informed without being mired in the minutiae. In order to trigger the right conversations for effective decision-making, the senior team needs ready access to a 10,000 foot view of what is happening with strategic implementation as it relates to the strategic plan.
These are just a few tips to drive successful implementation of strategy. If you are interested in learning more, please read our recently published c. note, Disciplined Strategic Implementation is a Competitive Advantage for 6 organizational habits you can develop within your organization to create this competitive advantage.
