Integrating Strategy to Operational Execution

Some leaders just never seem to understand the reality, no matter how tough it is. They just couldn't care to prepare for the rough ride ahead. They struggle to make sales and run at losses. They are least bit bothered, no matter what the impending crisis or forecast trends say of the economic climate or business landscape. For them, it's business as usual. 

And, you find yourself right smack in the middle of it, either as employee or Management!. You realize that if you don't do something proactive, you will end up as part of a bigger problem and out of a job. So, you frantically sound the alarm bells and call out fire ! But, no one wants to follow you to the evacuation point! You genuinely want to save the company from suicide, but nothing seems to sink in. 

Ever been there?. No matter how much you try to share your anxieties and ideas, no one is listening. You feel unappreciated and defeated. Despair, disappointment, hopelessness and frustration spirals. Not to worry. Take solace, the whole world is breaking down. The number of workers becoming disengaged is on the rise. Of all places, Japan is 94% !.  https://news.gallup.com/opinion/chairman/212045/world-broken-workplace.aspx?g_source=The+Chairman%27s+Blog&g_medium=lead&g_campaign=tiles

Denial and complacency is one of the biggest thieves of progress and growth. It works the same for the individual, nation and world. The bigger the entity the bigger the resistance for change. There are many examples to showcase. e.g MAS and Proton. For years they have been trying to turnaround the ship but it just wouldn't budge. MAS seem to be finally taking off, thanks to the top leadership change and drastic cost saving measures. Proton is finally on the verge of making a breakthrough. But, it would take firm leadership for Geely to do what Carlos Goshn did to Nissan !

Why is it so difficult to make leaders understand the obvious necessities of transformation in a disrupted and VUCA landscape? Why is there resistance in adopting what's desperately needed for a business to survive?. Is it so hard to let go dysfunctional sacred cows?. Whether you are a Sampan (Malaysian canoe) or cruise ship, all you need is to follow through a few standard simple steps to get you from where you are to where you want to be. Einstein said, insanity is doing the same things over and expect different results. So, if you want to sustain or survive your business, you must "improve" the results by integrating strategy to operational execution.

Forget all those complex teachings on the art of war strategies and deception lessons on how to beat your competitor for market share. Strategy is nothing more than mindset. Blue ocean strategy posits that the competition is irrelevant. What matters is the internal passion, energy, drive and commitment to build the capacity and capability to mold into greatness. Embrace disruptive thinking and agility to know when to jump the curve. Proactive mindset matters more than tools or techniques to be successful.

Remember the starfish story?. Well, someone has to start it. Why can't it be you - yes you!. Never mind the past attempts that ended in failure. According to Edison, you have 999 attempts to go. If you have made up your mind, all you need is few simple steps to get going. I made it so simple it would look dumb not to follow through! Give me a reason why you think it's not as simple as I may think? 

Step 1 - Develop the strategy

Step 2 - Plan the strategy

Step 3 - Align Organisation with Strategy. (Beware: resist doing the reverse)

Step 4 - Plan Operations. 

Step 5 - Monitor & Learn.

Step 6 - Test & Adapt Strategy

(Adapted from Adapted from Robert KAPLAN & David NORTON, Pioneers - Strategic Management Accounting, Introduced - Activity Based Accounting (1960) 

I want to keep this post short, since I am known to write lengthy ones! If you want a copy of the detailed slides, pick it up from Slideshare. Alternatively, drop me a mail and I'd be happy to oblige. I ask only one thing - feedback on what you have done with the slides and how your selling went with your leadership. 

Knowing where we currently stand on EE, let's make the world a better workplace, one step a time; one organisation a time. It's a tall order, more so when you are that lone ranger on the beach. Think, "if it's to be, then it's up to me". At the very least, give it a try....