Execution — The Three Building Blocks of Getting Things Done

“Why do so many great strategies fail? Because execution gets lost between vision and reality.”

Every leader knows that execution is the ultimate test of strategy. But turning ideas into results is rarely easy.

Execution is the discipline of making things happen — aligning people, culture, and systems so that plans become performance.

In my work with CEOs and leadership teams, I’ve seen that execution excellence always rests on three foundations:

1️⃣ Leadership Behaviour, 2️⃣ Cultural Alignment, and 3️⃣ People in the Right Roles.

Let’s unpack each.

Building Block 1: Leadership Behaviour — The Seven Essential Habits of Execution

Execution starts with leadership. Great leaders don’t just inspire; they model the habits that make execution part of the organisation’s DNA.

Here are the seven essential behaviours every execution-focused leader needs to master:

1. Know Your People and Your Business

   Execution begins with connection. Leaders who know their people build trust — and those who know their business drive impact.

Action: Schedule regular frontline reviews to stay close to reality and show your team you’re invested in their success.

2. Insist on Realism

   Avoid sugar-coated reporting. Face the facts, even when they’re uncomfortable.

Action: Host open forums where teams discuss what’s working — and what’s not — without fear of blame

3. Set Clear Goals and Priorities

   Clarity drives focus. Every team should know what matters most this quarter. 

Action: Define your top three strategic priorities and ensure every initiative aligns with them.

4. Follow Through Relentlessly

   Plans without follow-up are wishful thinking.

Action: Hold weekly progress check-ins, assign clear owners, and review outcomes transparently.

5. Reward the Doers

   What gets recognised gets repeated.

Action: Create performance-based rewards that celebrate execution excellence — not just good intentions.

6. Expand People’s Capabilities

   Leaders multiply value by developing others.

Action: Offer coaching and development opportunities that strengthen both technical and leadership skills.

7. Know Yourself

   Self-awareness is the foundation of authentic leadership.

Action: Regularly seek 360° feedback and use reflection tools like The Seven Leadership Questions to grow.

 Remember: execution starts with you.

Building Block 2: Culture — The Framework for Accountability and Results

Culture is execution’s operating system. If your culture doesn’t support accountability, improvement, and truth-telling, strategy will stall.

Here’s how to build a culture that drives execution:

1. Link Rewards to Performance

   Tie recognition and rewards directly to results.

Action: Implement performance-based bonuses aligned to strategic outcomes.

2. Encourage Robust Dialogue

   Execution thrives on open, honest discussion.

Action: Foster meetings where people challenge ideas constructively and share feedback freely.

3. Use Social Operating Mechanisms

   Daily huddles, weekly check-ins, and monthly reviews keep rhythm and focus.

Action: Build a consistent meeting cadence — daily for alignment, weekly for problem-solving, monthly for strategy.

4. Lead by Example

   Leaders define culture by what they tolerate — and what they celebrate.

Action: Publicly recognise team members who live the company’s values and deliver results.

 Execution thrives where culture and conversation meet.

Building Block 3: People — Getting the Right People in the Right Roles

No strategy succeeds without the right talent. Execution depends on A Players — people who not only perform but align with your culture and purpose.

Here’s how to get it right:

1. Define the Right Criteria

   Hire and promote based on competencies, not convenience.

Action: Use Job Scorecards to clarify required skills, attitudes, and behaviours for every key role.

2. Have Courage in Talent Decisions

   Tough calls build strong teams.

Action: Provide honest feedback to underperformers and support them with clear improvement plans — or make a change if necessary.

3. Commit to People Development

   Your best people want to grow. Invest in them.

Action: Dedicate regular time for mentoring and development — not just performance reviews.

 Execution happens through people — not plans.

Final Thought — Execution Is Leadership in Action

Execution isn’t a project; it’s a way of leading.

When leaders model the right behaviours, build accountability into culture, and align talent with purpose, results stop being “aspirational” — they become inevitable.

Ready to strengthen execution in your business?

Take our Scaling Up / Four Decisions Needs Assessment to benchmark your company against top performers.
Or contact tedb@strategyandexecution.com.au for a free 30-minute discovery meeting.

TED BONEL, SCALING 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.

Ready to strengthen execution in your business?

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