By Stephanie Stubbs, Strategy Director
Let’s start with a simple truth: strategy isn’t about being better. It’s about being different and executing relentlessly on what makes you different. It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to outpace the competition by being faster, cheaper, or more efficient. But if you’re sprinting in the wrong direction, all you’re doing is getting lost faster. That’s why a smart, sharp strategy must come first, but not on its own. Because here’s the catch! Execution without strategy is chaos. Strategy without execution is just theory. Together? That’s where the magic happens.
Think of strategy as your compass. It sets the direction, aligns the team, and filters the noise. Without it, you’re navigating by guesswork, spinning your wheels on what “feels right” instead of what is right.
But don’t mistake strategy for a static document that gathers dust on a shared drive. A great strategy is alive, dynamic, and embedded in every decision you make. And it’s not about doing more, it’s about doing less, doing what matters, at the right time, and consistently.
Execution of strategy however gets less fanfare than the sleek strategic plan, but it’s the engine under the hood. It’s where ambition gets messy, and real. It’s deadlines, discipline, and decisions. It’s the countless small actions that, when aligned, create big results. Let’s not sugarcoat it: execution is hard. It requires focus, persistence, and accountability. But when paired with strategy? You get progress with purpose. Momentum that actually means something.
The strategy loop. Are you solving the same problems again?
Ever solved a problem only for it to boomerang back a few months later? A team bottleneck, a product issue, low pipeline, a persistent customer complaint? This is often a sign you’re treating symptoms, not the root cause. To truly solve problems, you need combine systems and strategic thinking – zooming out to see how pieces interact, rather than focusing on isolated issues. Pair that with strategic visioning anticipating change, preparing for disruption, and staying ahead of the curve, then you’ve got a formula for sustainable success. In other words, don’t just swat flies. Drain the swamp.
Here’s how to get moving with your strategy:
- Reconnect with your core strategy. Is it clear, relevant, and differentiated? If not, revise it.
- Take a health check. What’s working? What’s stuck? Where are the gaps?
- Does it have purpose? Evidence shows that businesses with a clear, embedded purpose create long-term value for all stakeholders – from customers and employees to communities and shareholders. A strong sense of purpose not only guides decisions but also builds resilience through economic challenges.
- Set short, sharp actions. Don’t wait for a perfect plan, start with a good one.
- Build feedback loops. Regular check-ins, honest reviews, and course corrections.
- Share the vision. A united team that clearly knows the direction can climbs mountains together.
- Celebrate progress. Strategic momentum deserves recognition.
Strategic planning isn’t about crafting the perfect five-year plan and walking away. Strategy is a continuous practice, a muscle that strengthens with use.
When done well, it gives your business more than direction. It gives you confidence. It creates alignment, inspires action, and protects you from shiny-object syndrome.
And remember: the goal isn’t to be everything to everyone. It’s to be unforgettable to the right people. That’s the power of strategy – done differently, and done well.
If you’re finding it hard to get started, we’ll connect you with one of our expert strategy consultants to help you get moving.
