December
03,
2024
Focusing on execution excellence can make all the difference for your organization.
Take a look at this matrix. Where would you place your organization?
Clearly, this grid says successful organizations need both brilliant ideas and excellent execution. But what if you land in another quadrant?
For today, let’s focus on the EXECUTION axis. Some organizations are fantastic at defining why they exist and what they want to achieve. Mission statements are clear, goals are ambitious, and the vision is inspiring. They’re high on IDEAS. Yet, when it comes to executing these grand plans, they falter. They’re low on EXECUTION, so they land in the “frustrated” quadrant.
The missing piece? A focus on how to get things done.
Keys To Mastering the ‘How’
- Turn strategy into action. Every organization sets out with clear objectives, whether it’s increasing market share, driving innovation, or improving customer satisfaction. But these objectives can only become reality if there’s a solid plan in place. Focusing on the how means you’re not just setting lofty goals, but you’re also laying out the step-by-step process to achieve them. It’s not enough to know where you want to go—you need a map to get there.
- Improve consistency. Many companies achieve success on a small scale but struggle when trying to expand. Why? Because they haven’t standardized processes. When you focus on how things are done, you have a standard approach that works across the board—in different departments, locations, or even countries. This consistency helps you scale without sacrificing quality.
- Become more agile and adaptable. The only constant in life is change. Companies that focus on how they operate are better positioned to adapt quickly to new challenges. When you know the steps that lead to success, it’s easier to tweak them as the landscape shifts. A strong focus on the how makes your business more agile, allowing you to respond to market changes and stay ahead of the competition.
- Establish a culture of accountability. A clear focus on the how fosters accountability. When every team member understands the processes behind the outcomes, there’s a shared responsibility for both successes and setbacks. The ‘how’ creates a sense of ownership, as everyone knows their role in executing the plan and contributing to the company’s success.
- Build trust with clients and stakeholders. Clients and stakeholders don’t just want to hear about the big promises your company is making—they want to know how you’re going to deliver. When you can clearly explain your processes and show them that you’ve got a reliable system in place, it builds confidence. Focusing on the how shows that you’re not just talking the talk—you’re walking the walk.
When companies focus on the how, they unlock benefits that drive long-term success:
- Increased Efficiency: Well-defined processes reduce redundancy, creates efficiencies, and eliminate bottlenecks. This not only saves time and resources but also ensures projects stay on track and on budget.
- Consistent Quality: A well-defined how ensures that every project, product, or service is delivered with the same level of excellence. This builds trust with your customers and strengthens your brand.
- Improved Employee Engagement: When people understand how their work contributes to the bigger picture, they’re more motivated and engaged. They feel connected to the company’s goals and take pride in their role in achieving them.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: When you focus on how things are done, you’re more likely to collect data on your processes. This data gives you valuable insights into what’s working and what’s not, allowing you to make smarter decisions moving forward.
How To Master the ‘How’
To successfully shift your company’s focus to the how, consider these practical steps:
- Examine your current operation. What are your key processes? How are they documented and communicated? Are there gaps in execution? Analyze your team structure and capacity. Build an accountability (RACI) chart to drive ownership and progress. Understanding where you are now is the first step to making improvements.
- Prioritize. If you’re light on execution, it’s best to focus energy on the most impactful processes. Determine the business value of key processes and rank them; consider a grid showing ease of execution vs. impact, to identify both the highest value processes and the “low-hanging fruit.”
- Use technology. Technology tools can automate repetitive tasks, track progress, and manage workflows. Find the right tech to support your processes and make work more efficient.
- Create clear roadmaps. Create a roadmap for each high-priority process, showing how it will be done going forward. Make sure each step is clear and assign roles (on your accountability chart). Then share, so everyone knows their responsibilities.
- Invest in your people. If you’re launching a new focus on process and accountability, that’s a change for employees. They need communications and engagement activities so they understand roadmaps and adopt the new direction. And, of course, they need the skills and knowledge to execute the how Regular engagement learning are essential to execution excellence.
- Build in feedback loops. Regularly collect feedback from employees, clients, and stakeholders to learn how processes are working. This feedback is crucial for continuous improvement.
It’s easy to get caught up in the big picture—the what and the why of your business.
But without a clear focus on how you’re going to achieve those goals, even the best plans can fall short.
When you master the how, you’re setting your business up for long-term success.
