Five Killer Competencies — Building a Strategic Learning Organization

Published On -

Ted Bonel 1. PEOPLE

“The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence itself, but to act with yesterday’s logic.” — Peter Drucker

Traditional strategic planning is dead.
In a world of constant change, five-year plans crumble faster than they’re printed.

Today’s leaders don’t need more plans — they need systems that can learn and adapt.

That’s the premise behind Willie Pietersen’s Strategic Learning model — a cycle built around Five Killer Competencies that keep organizations focused, agile, and ahead of disruption.

 

At Strategy & Execution Advisors, we integrate these same principles into the Scaling Up framework to help companies grow strategically, execute consistently, and sustain competitive advantage.

The 5 Killer Competencies — The Strategic Learning Cycle

Pietersen’s model builds strategy as a continuous loop of learning and renewal, rather than a static event.

Each competency strengthens the others — together, they form the foundation of adaptive leadership.

  1. Insight — Seeing What Others Miss

The first competency is insight — the ability to identify patterns, threats, and opportunities before your competitors do.

In Scaling Up, we use meeting rhythms — daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual — to build this discipline.

When teams regularly analyze customer feedback, employee data, and market signals, they develop the pattern recognition that fuels breakthrough ideas.

Insight starts with listening.

  1. Focus — Doing Less, Better

Once insights emerge, the next challenge is focus.

Pietersen emphasizes ruthless prioritization — selecting a few critical goals and pursuing them with intensity.

Our Quarterly Planning process mirrors this:
Identify 3–5 key priorities, then select the One Thing that will make the biggest impact.

Clarity beats complexity every time.

Focus means saying no more often than you say yes.

  1. Alignment — Everyone Pulling in the Same Direction

Even the best strategy fails if teams aren’t aligned.

That’s why we use the One Page Strategic Plan (OPSP) — a visual, living document that connects every department and role to the company’s core purpose, BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal), and quarterly priorities.

Alignment happens when:

  • Metrics and rewards are connected to strategy
  • Core values drive behavior
  • Communication is transparent and consistent

When alignment is achieved, energy flows rather than fragments.

  1. Execution — Turning Plans Into Progress

Execution is where insight, focus, and alignment come alive.

Execution isn’t about activity — it’s about rhythm and discipline.

Our weekly and monthly meetings create a space for collective intelligence — where teams collaborate to remove obstacles, share wins, and solve real problems together.

As Verne Harnish puts it:

“Routine sets you free.”

When everyone follows a rhythm of accountability, execution becomes a habit — not a heroic effort.

  1. Renewal — Learning, Adapting, Evolving

The final competency — renewal — ensures that strategy stays relevant.

In fast-moving markets, success can be the greatest threat to future growth.

That’s why continuous reflection — in your quarterly and annual planning sessions — is critical.
It allows teams to review what’s working, what’s not, and where new opportunities are emerging.

Renewal is how organizations stay young — curious, agile, and committed to learning.

 

Final Thought

Strategy isn’t a document — it’s a discipline.
It’s the rhythm, learning, and focus that keeps your business moving forward while competitors stand still.

So ask yourself:

  • Which of these five competencies is your organization strongest in — and which one needs work?
Want help embedding Strategic Learning into your Scaling Up process?

Contact me at tedb@strategyandexecution.com.au to schedule a free 30-minute discovery meeting.

To Scale Up your business! Take our Scaling Up/Four Decisions Needs Assessment to discover how your business measures against other Scaled Up companies. We’ll contact you.

TED BONEL, SCALING UP PRACTITIONER – STRATEGY & EXECUTION BUSINESS ADVISORS

Are you looking to scale your business and execute strategy with clarity and impact? I help CEOs and founders turn big ideas into real-world results, guiding small to mid-market companies through tailored strategic insights that drive growth.

My expertise lies in simplifying complexity – bridging high-level strategic frameworks with the practical realities of running a business. Unlike many consultants who focus solely on theory or execution, I specialise in both—translating strategy into actionable, transformative steps that deliver lasting results.

Want help embedding Strategic Learning into your Scaling Up process?

Contact me at tedb@strategyandexecution.com.au to schedule a free 30-minute discovery meeting.

 

ABOUT STRATEGY & EXECUTION

For over 20 years, Strategy & Execution has supported leaders and organisations in developing and executing winning strategies. We provide expert facilitation, executive education, and hands-on consulting to help businesses refine their strategic direction and implement it effectively.

Using proven methodologies like Scaling Up, E-Myth Mastery, Outthinker, and more, we challenge conventional thinking and equip organisations with the tools to accelerate growth. Our approach is dynamic—combining deep business experience with practical execution. We don’t just advise; we roll up our sleeves and work alongside you to make strategy happen.

If you’re preparing for a strategy development or execution challenge and are committed to creating real value, we’d love to hear from you. Learn more about our work or upcoming workshops