ENSURING YOUR STRATEGY WORKS AT ALL LEVELS IN YOUR FIRM

ENSURING YOUR STRATEGY WORKS AT ALL LEVELS IN YOUR FIRM

High-level strategy gives direction to the management team of a business. However, such high level plans can often prove to be of little use to other workers within the organisation. Aspects of the strategy must be distilled down to actions and plans which will drive the various areas of the business towards the common goals outlined in the overall strategy.

strategy

It is often said that a strategy doesn’t fail in its formulation but in its implementation. The key to implementing a strategy successfully is communication.

Many leadership teams, in their excitement and enthusiasm to turn their strategy into reality, fail to take the necessary steps to ensure that it can be delivered effectively by the various departments in the firm. Taking the time and energy to translate your strategic vision into operational success, demands that you focus on the following:

Communication – Your strategic intent and agenda should form the basis of all your communication with the business. When you make and communicate a decision, for example, you should clearly state how it will help move the strategy of the business forward.

Resources – Resources should be allocated on the basis of their ability to deliver the agreed strategy, and not simply reflect historic trends and decisions.

Alignment – The goals of the business must align with the objectives of the departments and people within the firm. Tiny differences of opinion in the boardroom can become huge divisions across the organisation, rapidly reducing your chances of successful implementation.

People – Your best and most appropriate people should be leading the delivery of your key strategic objectives. Not only does this increase the firm’s chances of success, but it also sends a signal to the business about what management considers to be important.

Accountability – The individual performances, and the collective performance of the team, should be directly based on implementing the strategy.

Measurement – Your KPIs should mirror the strategy, as should your associated rewards and bonuses. If you are serious about your strategy you will define appropriate ways to track its delivery and effectively report on progress.

 

COMMUNICATION & PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT.

COMMUNICATION & PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT.

Good communication is key in any business and no more so than when it comes to performance management in a firm. Issues relating to staff members and the performance of their duties arise often when running a business (or a department for that matter). Whether it is timekeeping and attendance issues or failing to complete a task, such issues should be resolved as soon as possible. Good communication skills are key if issues are to be resolved quickly and effectively.

Talk to the person

The first step in resolving almost any employee issue is ostensibly the simplest: talk to the person. It’s remarkable how reluctant many business owners and managers are to initiate  such a conversation.
It’s important to communicate honestly, openly and clearly with your employees. Whether it is performance or conduct that is not up to scratch, it’s also a good idea to have such conversations early, rather than letting things fester.
Plan for a successful conversation
Before initiating the above conversation with your problem employee, you should plan it out and write down a few bullet points such as:

  • What behaviours are giving cause for concern?communication
  • Do I have specific examples I can quote?
  • What are the observed or potential consequences of those behaviours?
  • What improvements in behaviour would make me feel confident that the employee has understood my concerns and knows what results I am looking for?
  • How shall I respond if the employee becomes emotional, angry or defensive?
  • How will I monitor their future behaviour?
  • When shall we meet again to discuss whether the improvements have actually taken place?
  • What shall I do if they are not forthcoming?

The answers to these questions will give you a robust framework for the discussion.