Companies often fail to address the tough questions about strategy and execution: Are we really clear, as a leadership team, about how we choose to create value in the marketplace? Can we articulate the few things the organization needs to do better than anyone else in order to deliver on that value proposition? Are we investing in those areas, and do they fit with most of the products and services we sell?
8 Tough Questions to Ask About Your Company’s Strategy
Most companies don’t have the answers.
November 29, 2017
Summary.
Many leadership teams struggle to connect strategy and execution. What can companies do to build a culture of accountability and transparency throughout their organizations? The authors suggest three tactics: First, give executives time to step away from their day-to-day urgencies in order to discuss and debate important strategic questions openly. Next, involve a larger part of the organization in a discussion around how the company is doing on both strategy and execution. Finally, get the board more involved. Senior leaders owe their shareholders, customers, and employees clear answers about why they exist and what they are doing every day to fulfill that purpose.
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Strategy Planning and Execution Course
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How to develop a winning strategy—and put it to work.
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New!
HBR Learning
Strategy Planning and Execution Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Strategy Planning and Execution. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
How to develop a winning strategy—and put it to work.