Vision and Execution: Two Sides of a Successful Strategy
A strategic plan is not the end goal of the strategic planning process – it is the framework for successfully implementing a strategy. Until a strategic plan is put into effect, it has no real value. There are several keys to successful implementation. First, people directly involved in executing the strategy must be included in the planning process. Strategic planning is no longer a top-down directive. Without the input and feedback of the people responsible for executing on the strategy, a seemingly solid strategy is likely to fall apart when implementation is attempted. The next key to successful implementation is clearly communicating the strategy to the whole company. The communication should ensure that everyone in the company understands and accepts the strategy as the best path forward, and not simply the leadership's latest idea. Without clear communication, employees lack a sense of ownership and clarity of purpose. When a strategy is not understood or embraced, it usually results in misunderstanding and uneven commitments to implementation. Another key to the successful execution of a strategic plan is the clear and straightforward description of the plan and its operations. Even the most brilliant strategy faces failure if it cannot be explained clearly and concisely. There are four keys to successful implementation.（）