We will go over the last part Execution, if you missed Part 1 : Leadership, & Part 2: Direction, Part 3 : Receptivity you can check on above links.
Leaders are good at execution. Execution is the key part for any success, plans are useless until we put it in action, what is the point of reflection if we don’t take action.
Most organisations do not spend enough time on “detailing how to implement” nor do they put the required high level of attention, commitment, and passion into getting things really done in an excellent manner until the very, very end. Execution is an art; an art that separates successful organisations from less successful ones.
A brilliant strategy, blockbuster product, or breakthrough technology can put you on the competitive map, but only solid execution can keep you there. You have to be able to deliver on your intent. Unfortunately, the majority of companies aren’t very good at it, by their own admission.
Execution is a discipline, and integral to strategy
Let’s have a look of few points that can help in better execution.
Distinguish Between Micromanaging and Execution
Micromanaging diminishes people’s self-confidence, discourages their initiative and stifles their ability to think for themselves. Leading for execution is active involvement. Leaders use their knowledge and wisdom to constantly probe. They bring weaknesses to light and rally their people to correct them.
Walk, Not Just Talk
Leaders who execute are willing to soil their hands and work the ground instead of just shouting from the sideline. They have intimate knowledge of their business. They will do whatever it takes to clear the road blocks for their people.
Having a mission isn’t enough.
It is crucial that what a company is good at doing matches its mission. For example, if a company’s mission is to win in a highly competitive market, it must be able to build, sell and support a technologically superior product and persuade customers and the market of that superiority.
The lesson from this principle is that your company must have a clear mission and unless you have the skills needed to turn that mission into effective action — the mission is not worth a hill of beans.
Strategise the Execution
Yes, you read it right, successful Executions are also backed by excellent planning, you need to be realistic, you need to be focused and at the same time you need to follow and believe in your plans every day.
Let’s take example, Just like travelling in night we don’t expect to see way towards end just seeing next 10–15 feet, so in life also same principle applies as everything cannot be visualise at first instance, move incrementally, so no one will have 100% resources, there will always be something missing, Leader takes actions despite the missing parts, Something will always be missing.
Anything worth while doing is going to be difficult, The longer you wait to start something, the less your chances of doing it, this is called as law of diminishing intent.
“Spring has passed. Summer has gone. Winter is here… and the song that I meant to sing remains unsung. For I have spent my days stringing and unstringing my instrument.”
~ Rabindranath Tagore
We plan but we fail to execute can be due to various factors which i will try to cover sometime later but just to conclude there is key factor that holds us back from having successful execution called as Paralysis by Analysis — sometime we come up with a situation where there is too much information, involvements, discussions and iterations that we cannot move forward. This is one of biggest obstacle in achieving the goal successful as planned.
So, key to have successful execution keep it simple, realistic, and try to execute your plans in smaller chunks which will not only help you reach your goals successfully but also help you gain confidence.
A Vision & Strategy aren’t enough, the long term to success is execution. Each day, Every day.
Always remember It’s a journey, start enjoying it. It’s a process, start following it. Passion with get you started, ownership will help you finish.
Thanks for reading, if you liked the article comment, give a clap and share with your friends and colleagues. Feel free to put your suggestions and feedback in the comment box. Will catch you in some other interesting series or article very soon. STAY TUNED !!!