It’s crucial to emphasise execution planning to ensure that business strategies translate into real-world success. This could apply to a business strategy or any department strategy like marketing, people, and operations – or any major business change.
Key Components of Strategy Execution Planning
Detailed Project Planning: To effectively execute any strategy, detailed project plans must be created. These plans outline the specific steps, resources, and timelines required to achieve the strategy. Clear plans ensure that everyone knows what needs to be done, by when, and how success will be measured. A critical component of detailed project planning is to capture any key financial assumptions each project might have from a CAPEX and OPEX perspective; these assumptions inform the financial forecast that should always underpin and validate the strategy.
Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Defining who is responsible for what is critical to avoid tasks falling through the cracks. Assign a person or team to own each goal. This is also an opportunity to push responsibility and empowerment down to the next level, ensuring accountability at all stages. Identifying and assigning an individual who has visibility across all projects and is empowered as the Program Manager is an important part of ownership and execution.
Meetings and Reporting: Regular check-ins and structured progress reviews help keep everyone aligned. Simple, action-oriented meetings, paired with transparent reporting, will drive execution forward.
Top Three Tips to Share with Your Clients
Seamless Transition from Strategy to Execution
The strategy doesn’t need to be perfect before it’s implemented. Treat it as a living document—launch it across the organisation, even if it’s a busy period. If necessary, start with a mini-launch that shares key highlights and follow-up with a detailed rollout later.
A ‘Strategic Roadmap’ Beats a ‘Strategy on a Page (SOAP)’ Every Day
While a SOAP is helpful for communicating the strategy, a Strategic Roadmap is essential for execution. It maps key projects and priorities over the next four quarters, making it easier for teams to stay aligned and plan their work in manageable sprints.
Unplanned Events are Inevitable – and that’s Okay
Teams will sometimes need to focus on tactical matters, such as improving the pipeline. This is normal, but it’s important to clearly mark the time allocated for tactical issues and ensure teams quickly return to meetings and reporting to keep strategic projects on track.
Ask Clients These Questions to Start the Conversation
- How are you executing on the strategy?
- How do you know you’re on track?
- What challenges are getting in the way?
- Would you benefit from external help?
At Active Directions, we specialise in assisting small to medium-sized businesses craft effective strategies in line with shareholder and management ambitions through detailed review, analysis, and planning. Reach out to us today for a confidential conversation if you would like to explore how to assist your clients with execution planning.
