Why is implementing strategy so hard?
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There are many reasons people give us about why implementing strategy is so hard:
- fuzzy or unsuitable strategies
- lack of time to implement strategies
- inability to adapt once things change
- difficult involving your team
- hard to incorporate into day to day operations
- excessive effort required to achieve
- focus and enthusiasm fizzle out
While there is some truth in the above, there are only two real reasons that make strategy implementation so hard. Efecctive strategy is:
- All about influencing behaviour, and
- An every day, everywhere, everyone activity.
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It is true, strategy implementation is hard.
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Real reason no. 1
Effective strategy implementation is all about influencing behaviour.
- If we want different results, we have to do things differently
- And if we are going to do things differently, we have to influence behaviour to be different.
Many managers plan their strategy implementation by creating a massive 'to do' list, or a detailed, step by step plan laying out all that needs doing. These managers will invariably look back on all their hard work and wonder why it didn't make a difference to the bottom line.
This is because they forgot their fundamental role is to influence behaviour and telling people what to do, is an ineffective way to influence behaviour.
The ineffectiveness of telling
Telling people what to do assumes that that you can foresee every little complexity and variability, and account for it in your plan.
Telling people what to do assumes they will understand it perfectly, and do exactly as you have instructed, even if they have had different habits and experiences in the past.
A more effective approach
Smart managers understand strategy implementation is about influencing behaviour and they use all four available methods to do this comprehensively.
Yes they understand that 'telling' is one of the methods, but telling is the smallest method and should be used sparingly, there are three far more effective methods available to managers to influence behaviour. These methods provide greater leverage and independence for managers, and facilitate improved performance from staff.
River Empowerment teach managers how to effectively and appropriately use all four methods of influencing behaviour.
Real reason no 2
Strategy implementation is also hard, because it is an everyday, everywhere activity.
Many managers plan their strategy implementation like it is a separate activity from the day to day running of the business.
Like oil and water
Some strategy implementation approaches are like trying to mix oil and water - it only works when you are putting lots of effort into it and shaking things up a lot!
This is still ineffective as once the shaking stops, the new and the old separate, just like the oil and water.
Recognising that strategy implementation is a business as usual activity is a powerful first step.
Most strategy implementation does not require doing new things, but doing the same things in a new way.
This is why understanding how to influence behaviour on a day to day basis is essential. In order to effectively implement strategy you need your people to do many of their normal things in a slightly different way.
River Empowerment teach simple tools and techniques to make this easier and more effective in your business, no matter what your strategy is. We have been teaching them directly and through the Employers and Manufacturers Association and Massey University for over 12 years.
Strategic Planning Tools
River Empowerment Ltd provide the following Strategy and Planning tools, training and consulting services:
Consulting
Consulting Programmes
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Consulting Services
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Training
Training Programmes
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1 Day Workshops
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Speaking & Presenting
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Tools
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