As a strategic business coach, I often see businesses that have great strategies but struggle to execute them. The book, Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan, is a great resource for any business leader who wants to improve their ability to execute their strategies.
The book is divided into three parts:
Part I: The Three Core Processes of Execution
Part II: The Seven Essential Behaviors of Leaders
Part III: Case Studies
We’ll focus our attention on Part II so we can evaluate how well we, as leaders, are exhibiting these behaviors needed to execute our strategies effectively.
As you read through each behavior, identify where you’re doing well and where you can improve.
Know your people and your business.
Do you know the strengths, weaknesses, goals, and aspirations of your team members?
Do you understand your industry, competition, and your company's strengths and weaknesses?
Insist on realism.
Are you honest with yourself and your team about the challenges you face?
Do you create a culture of candor where people feel comfortable speaking up about problems?
Are you realistic about what can be accomplished in a given timeframe?
Set clear goals and priorities (ROCKS).
Are your goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound?
Are your priorities aligned with the company's mission, vision, and values?
Do you regularly review progress and make adjustments as needed?
Follow through.
Do you do what you say you will do, even when it is difficult?
Do you meet deadlines?
Do you take action on important issues?
Do you hold your team accountable for meeting expectations?
Reward the doers.
Do you recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of your team?
Do you make sure that everyone knows what it takes to be rewarded?
Are you consistent in your rewards?
Expand people's capabilities.
Do you provide your team with opportunities to learn and grow?
Do you invest in training, coaching, and mentoring?
Do you create a culture of continuous learning?
Know yourself.
Are you aware of your own strengths and weaknesses?
Are you honest with yourself about your shortcomings?
Are you able to manage your own behavior?
How’d you do? You may not master all seven and that’s okay! We’re not perfect. What we CAN do is have the humility to identify our shortcomings and work on improving. We owe it to ourselves and our organizations.
Share these 7 behaviors and related questions with your leadership team. I’m certain it will spark honest conversations about your strengths and weaknesses, make everyone stronger leaders, and create a culture of execution within your organization. As a result, you and your team will be operating at peak performance and be ready to EXECUTE!
If you want to learn more about the seven essential behaviors of leaders, I recommend reading or listening to the book Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done. It is a valuable resource for any business leader who wants to improve their ability to execute their strategies.