In today’s business landscape, effective execution strategy can afford no fallbacks. An art that few have mastered, execution can hurdle a business into reaping extensive benefits from higher profits, to increased moral, and even to higher shareholder confidence.

Reacting to market trends, adjusting your business model, upgrading your technology, or even moving offices; there’s zero stability in owning a business if there is no agility. “Zero agility means no stability”, now there’s a sign I could picket. Things change, but why are so many businesses afraid to change with it? You see it all the time – Blockbuster, Sears, Dell, Eastman Kodak, Motorola – all enjoyed great success but stumbled with the change in time.

You don’t need to jump ship with every hole in the hull, but having a plan to adapt and change is what keeps companies thriving and innovating. This comprehensive communications plan that strengthens an organizations ability to achieve effective execution will not only ensure agility capabilities, but will also align the organizations vision and goals with those carrying out change.

 

1. Goals & Strategy Statement:

Strong communication starts with a language that is easy to grasp. Explaining the goals and strategy of the execution serves as a remembrance to everyone involved. At every opportunity, repeating these statements may serve necessary in order to get everyone on-board.

 

2. Define Individual Roles:

Each member of the execution must be made fully aware of their individual actions in order to execute the plan. Stating what is expected from each person as the end result will help employees focus on the goals. Remember – weak-links are often the ones that are left in the dark.

 

3. Define the Benefits:

Keep the team in-the-know when it comes to how this change will benefit them. They’re more likely to be on-board when it comes to change when they understand the benefits of the plan. Transparency when it comes to how the results will affect the team is a must.

 

4. Specify Milestones:

Even the most extensive plans can seem do-able when you encourage setting mini-goals along the way. Daunting tasks can be perceived as a breeze when you can celebrate each milestone.

 

5. Stay Organized:

You might think that this is an obvious one. However, preparing a chart of the project team and reporting structure for execution of the strategy is an excellent and simple way to keep the team aware of the chain of command. Everything from execution to complaints can be done in the most efficient manner.

 

6. Identify Structures:

Identifying the key deliverables incorporated in the change along with the accountability structures that would help assist the execution of the strategy.

 

7. Monitor Progress:

Defining how progress will be monitored as well as who will be the one monitoring will keep everyone up to speed when it comes to recognizing progress and accomplishments. Ensuring forward progression and even motivation for the execution to be complete is dependent upon this.

 

8. Resource the Right People:

Allocating the resources, money and equipment for the strategy to the right people is crucial. “A plan is only as good as the people who will carry it out.” The right team, the appropriate budget, and the equipment to back them up will carry the execution to success.

 

9. Tackle Challenges:

Challenges that you already know serve as an advantage to your execution strategy – challenges such as employees being resistant to change, unmet goals, etc… Addressing the possible roadblocks during the planning stages is best to effectively overcome them when the time comes.

 

10. Address Additional Issues:

Assigning who will handle the process for addressing further challenges along the way is important. As your plan progresses, you will almost certainly be confronted with additional issues – being prepared and flexible is important to keep the execution moving forward.

 

Taking these ten elements will allow you to communicate your plan of execution smoothly and effectively. Communicating your plan is a crucial step in executing your strategy, and once you’ve gotten a steady runners-stance, it’s time to close the gap between planning and results.