You’ve got a fresh strategy in hand. Now what?
I hear this all the time. One executive asked me last week: “We’re kicking off a major transformation. It includes AI and our whole way of working. Where do we even begin?”
They’re not alone. Many leaders sit on the edge of a bold ambition, staring down a sea of possible starting points: org design, culture, tech, AI use cases, jobs to be done, stakeholder engagement, change management. The list is long.
This week, I’ll share what I’ve seen work best among top teams to cut through the noise and get their transformation programs up and running, fast.
Structure your start up phase first
3 Tips to Start Your Strategy Rollout Like a Top Team
I’ve worked with a lot of top teams who get this early phase right. This sets them up for a success outcomes. Here are the three moves that consistently help create clarity and momentum from day one:
1. Structure your start up phase first
Instead of just diving into components of the strategy such as operating models and AI-powered improvements, instead put some structure to your start up phase. Develop a structured “to do” list or project plan for the set up of the whole program. I find this always makes me feel more comfortable when I’m clear on my immediate next steps. It removes some of that ambiguity and stress immediately. You’re now able to go from chaos to clarity, FAST.
2. Draw a one page visual for your stakeholder discussions
Draw an executive visual diagram that maps out how the components fit together. Perfect to use for stakeholder input. It will cover the key components such as org design, culture, AI-powered processes, and more. It will help bring your strategy deck to life for people. And if you “ask” for input rather than “tell”, people feel respected and you’ll have more buy-in.
3. Communicate the “non-negotiables”
Stakeholder consultation is valuable, as implementation is not a solo sport. However, the responsible executive must still set “non-negotiables”. Ensure your stakeholder discussions are not a free-for-all. Strategy is definitely not democratic.
These steps help move your strategy off the deck and into real-world action.
“Speed is a leadership decision…You’ve got to get the whole organization aligned on moving very fast, even if you make mistakes along the way.”
Andy Jassy, CEO Amazon
PS More Ways to Accelerate your Strategy
Looking to move your strategy forward? Lisa Carlin works with selected clients directly to go from strategy to plan to result. Email Lisa.
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About Lisa Carlin
Lisa Carlin is a Strategy Execution Specialist. She works with business leaders to go from strategy to plan to result with culture intelligence and AI.
Lisa is author of the globally acclaimed newsletter, Turbocharge Weekly, read by 8,000 business leaders.
Lisa’s career includes roles at McKinsey and Accenture, then running her own business since 1999. Over this time she has delivered over 50 implementations with a 96% success rate.