If you’ve ever launched a strong strategic plan, only to see execution fall flat – you’re not alone.
Most leaders don’t struggle with ideas. They struggle with execution. The strategy is sound. The ambition is clear. But somewhere between the whiteboard and the front line, momentum stalls.
After working with leadership teams across industries, I’ve found that execution challenges usually trace back to five core factors:
1. Visibility – What’s Actually Happening?
Many businesses operate without clear visibility. Leaders make decisions without real-time insight into what’s working – and what’s not. Priorities get buried. Teams lose focus.
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)
Visibility is the foundation. If you can’t see it, you can’t manage it.
2. Alignment – Are We All Pulling in the Same Direction?
Even high-performing teams can underdeliver when alignment is missing. Disconnected goals and siloed execution waste time, resources, and energy.
Fix it with:
- Strategic pillars to clarify priorities
- Cascading goals tied to the company vision
- Cross-functional planning to coordinate dependencies
Alignment ensures that effort leads to outcomes – not just activity.
3. Accountability – Who Owns What?
Without ownership, execution becomes optional. Tasks drift, deadlines slip, and no one feels responsible for delivery.
Fix it with:
- Named owners for every key initiative (RACI)
- Consistent progress reviews (Meeting Rhythms)
- A culture that values follow-through (Themes & Celebrations)
Accountability turns good intentions into real outcomes.
4. Focus – Are We Doing Too Much?
Trying to do everything usually leads to doing nothing well. Execution falters when teams are overcommitted and distracted.
Fix it with:
- Ruthless prioritization – say “no” to the nice-to-haves (Managing Your Time/Task/Energy)
- Work-in-progress (WIP) limits
- Quarterly planning cadences to revisit and reset focus
Focus is the antidote to overwhelm.
5. Speed – How Fast Can We Adapt?
In today’s fast-moving markets, agility wins. Businesses that adapt quickly thrive. Those stuck in red tape and analysis paralysis fall behind.
Fix it with:
- Empowered teams with decision-making autonomy (Decision Rights)
- Clear boundaries for who owns which decisions
- A bias for learning and iteration over perfection (A ‘Why’ Culture)
Speed doesn’t mean recklessness – it means responsiveness.
Practitioner Insight
Whether you’re scaling your business, navigating transformation, or simply trying to boost team productivity – these five areas matter:
Visibility. Alignment. Accountability. Focus. Speed.
When one weakens, execution stumbles. But when all five are strong? You create the momentum needed for real business breakthroughs.
Ready to Identify Your Execution Gaps?
Email me at tedb@strategyandexecution.com.au and let’s discuss how we can strengthen your systems for sustainable growth.
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.
Let’s explore how I can help your team achieve its objectives. 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.
