Tag Archives: strategy execution

How to Improve Strategic-Operational Collaboration

Posted on January 2, 2012 by

You can build support for strategy by understanding and using the strategy-operations polarity map.First, you acknowledge the values of the operational perspective (e.g., it gets results) and the downsides of strategy (it consumes time). Then, you can introduce some of the benefits of strategy work. This article will help the strategic initiative leader assure that the initiative does not flounder. Continue reading →

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Posted in Strategic Planning Issues for Strategic Initiatives, Strategy Coaching and Facilitation, Strategy, Ambiguity, and Strong-Minded Thinking, Transforming the Organization | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Strategy-as-Story: The ABCDE Model

Posted on December 20, 2011 by

This tip for strategy and story telling (third in a series) describes the ABCDE model (assess, baseline, components, delivery, evaluation). It explains that strategic initiatives are chartered in the C to D steps. It also provides four useful questions that help gain strategic perspective: Where are we at? Where do we want to be? How will we get there? How will we evaluate ourselves? It also provides an example story that illustrates the principles. Continue reading →

Posted in How to Improve Your Story Telling Chops, Strategic Planning Issues for Strategic Initiatives | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Why Your Organization Will Perform Better With Fewer Strategic Initiatives: Six Bits Evidence

Posted on November 17, 2011 by

Companies that have fewer strategic initiatives more likely to be at the top of their industry. Why? The discipline and focus of strategic choice! Too many projects and initiatives tend to cause fire fighting, distraction, frustration, etc. This article will provide you with examples and good talking points for maintaining focus on the “vital few” strategies rather than the trivial many. Continue reading →

Posted in Program & Portfolio Management, Strategic Planning Issues for Strategic Initiatives, Success Principles for Strategic Initiatives | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Strategy as the Backstory: Another Leadership Tip

Posted on November 8, 2011 by

In explaining the strategic initiative, the leader needs to skillfully weave in the backstory of strategy; that is, identify the relevant parts of the larger narrative and include in the communications to stakeholders. Modern audiences are impatient, so keep the amount of backstory limited. The exception is when the strategic initiative involves a heritage story (example heritage stories from Starbucks and Domino’s Pizza). The strategy-as-backstory can include SWOT, mission, vision, values, etc. This tip is part of the “How to Improve Your Story Telling Chops” series. Continue reading →

Posted in How to Improve Your Story Telling Chops | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Fast and Effective Decisions Drive the Strategic Initiative

Posted on September 17, 2011 by

Fast and effective decisions drive the strategic initiative program. Greg Githens provides useful ideas for making faster and better decisions. Continue reading →

Posted in Strategy Coaching and Facilitation, Success Principles for Strategic Initiatives, Useful Practices & Management Tools | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Pillars of Strategic Initiative Success

Posted on August 11, 2011 by

Greg Githens explains that good strategy, strong commitment, and strategic planning and thinking are the strategic pillars for success with strategic initiatives. Continue reading →

Posted in Strategic Planning Issues for Strategic Initiatives, Success Principles for Strategic Initiatives | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Eight Distinctions between Portfolio Management & Program Management

Posted on July 25, 2011 by

This article clarifies the differences between program management, portfolio management, and program management along 8 dimensions: purpose, temporal nature, aggregation, strategic alignment, success criteria, risk, decisions, & competencies. Greg Githens explains four implications for leaders of strategic initiatives: meaning of strategic alignment, number of strategic initiatives in the portfolio, strategic initiatives as programs, and immature standards. The leader applies strategic thinking to do that. Continue reading →

Posted in Program & Portfolio Management, Strategic Planning Issues for Strategic Initiatives | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments