“The difference between companies that plan and companies that perform isn’t vision — it’s execution.”
If you’ve ever launched a strong strategic plan only to watch execution stall, you’re not alone.
Most leaders don’t struggle with ideas. They struggle with follow-through.
The strategy is sound. The ambition is clear. But somewhere between the whiteboard and the front line, momentum fades.
After working with leadership teams across industries, I’ve found that execution problems usually trace back to five critical factors.
Strengthen these, and performance accelerates. Neglect them, and even the best strategy falls flat.
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Visibility — Can You See What’s Really Happening?
You can’t manage what you can’t see.
Many businesses operate with fragmented information and unclear metrics. Leaders make decisions without real-time insight into what’s working — and what isn’t.
Fix it with:
- A clear scoreboard with real-time company and departmental data
- Transparent goals at every level
- Regular check-ins to surface blockers early (Meeting Rhythms)
Takeaway: Clarity drives control. If you can’t see it, you can’t improve it.
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Alignment — Is Everyone Pulling in the Same Direction?
Even high-performing teams can underdeliver when they’re not aligned.
Disconnected goals and siloed execution waste time, resources, and momentum.
Fix it with:
- Strategic pillars that define the company’s key priorities
- Cascading goals tied directly to the vision
- Cross-functional planning to align dependencies
Takeaway: Alignment turns effort into results — not just activity.
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Accountability — Who Owns What?
Without ownership, execution becomes optional.
Tasks drift. Deadlines slip. Progress stalls.
Fix it with:
- Named owners for every key initiative (RACI)
- Consistent progress reviews (Meeting Rhythms)
- A culture that values follow-through (Themes & Celebrations)
Takeaway: Accountability transforms good intentions into measurable results.
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Focus — Are You Trying to Do Too Much?
When everything’s a priority, nothing is.
Many teams are overcommitted, juggling too many projects and spreading their energy thin.
Fix it with:
- Ruthless prioritisation — say “no” to the nice-to-haves (Managing Your Time/Task/Energy)
- Work-in-progress (WIP) limits
- Quarterly planning cadences to refocus and reset
Takeaway: Focus is your strategic filter. Simplicity accelerates results.
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Speed — How Fast Can You Adapt?
In today’s markets, agility wins.
Execution falters when teams get stuck in red tape, analysis paralysis, or fear of failure.
Fix it with:
- Empowered teams with decision-making autonomy (Decision Rights)
- Clear boundaries around who owns which decisions
- A bias for learning and iteration over perfection (A “Why” Culture)
Takeaway: Speed isn’t about recklessness — it’s about responsiveness.
Bringing It All Together
Whether you’re scaling your business, managing transformation, or trying to improve team execution, these five factors matter most:
Visibility. Alignment. Accountability. Focus. Speed.
When even one weakens, execution stumbles.
When all five are strong, they create unstoppable momentum.
Ready to identify your execution gaps?
At Strategy & Execution Advisors, we help leadership teams install the systems and disciplines that build clarity, accountability, and speed.
Take our Scaling Up / Four Decisions Needs Assessment to benchmark your execution capability — or email tedb@strategyandexecution.com.au to discuss how to turn your strategy into results.
Strategy creates direction. Execution creates success.
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.
Ready to identify your execution gaps?
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
