Aligning strategy and execution: It’s a concept that is pervasive in organizations.
- “If we can get everyone aligned around this plan we’ll be good.”
- “IT needs to align to the business.”
- “We are doing the right things because our departmental initiative is perfectly aligned with our corporate strategy.”
Does this sound familiar?
The problem is we’re so busy aligning at times that execution gets lost in the shuffle. We wonder why our best-laid plans go awry. Yet we keep aligning, because that’s what we think execution is all about.
In my opinion, alignment is dead. Or at least it should be. While the concept of alignment guides so much of how organizations operate, I think it’s an inherently passive act. We’ve all been led to believe that acting in a linear, orderly fashion – in a dynamic, disorderly world – is the ideal state. It’s not!
What alignment really means is that someone else has decided what we should do, and that we should all line up in support of it. When it comes to execution, alignment often inhibits business agility. Everyone becomes so focused on aligning to the plan that they cannot easily take advantage of opportunities or pivot when they encounter challenges.
Years of research backs this up – but most important conclusion is this: “Several widely held beliefs about how to implement strategy are just plain wrong.”
The concept has been a thorn in my side for at least a decade. That’s why I have submitted for an opportunity to share why we need to change the status quo at SXSW 2017! Watch my video and cast your vote.
I look forward to sharing insight and a bit of passion on:
- How can you transform ideas into executable, strategic plans?
- How can you avoid the alignment trap in your business or organization?
- How can you build a strategic plan instead of only several projects to a strategy?
Voting Is Easy
- Register at: SXSW PanelPicker
- Vote here: to vote for Patrick – Planview.info/vote4patrick
Thank you! And feel free to comment on my session page!
How are you currently aligning strategy and execution? What are your challenges? Share your experiences by leaving a comment below.
