Business Problem-Solving and Strategy

5How to Execute with Certainty

We are finally at the point where the strategy is actually being executed. A strategy that is not carried out is a pie in the sky, no matter how great. This is where the true value of the strategy created is weighed.

Establish a Driving Force

Key functions required for the strategy being executed are one, decision‐making and taking the helm, two, implementation and progress monitoring, and three, execution.

For item number two, decision‐making and taking the helm, the required elements include presenting the strategy summary, goals, and directions, as well as decision‐making, course adjustments when needed, and handling issues as they arise. The actual deployment of the strategy execution team, progress monitoring of the achievable plan, and support for the execution team are needed for item number two. Concrete execution of the strategy is necessary for item number three, or the execution.

For a standard company‐wide strategy, number one falls under the leadership function (management), number two is handled by the planning section, and number three is carried out by each department in charge of execution. Temporary or extra fuel may be needed if the strategy calls for a greater propellant to carry out a large reform or move a new venture forward. This is the launching pad for a project.

In some cases, the whole process, from one to three, ...