2014

Six Disciplines

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Strategic Thinking vs. Strategic Planning

Six Disciplines

'Are strategic thinking and strategic planning - the same thing ? While they certainly related and complementary, thinking strategically and planning strategically are two different concepts. Let''s first consider strategic thinking , which involves viewing your organization from a holistic perspective. . Research has determined that strategic thinking can be explained through seven dimensions: A vision of the future.

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The Five Secrets of High-Performing Organizations

Six Disciplines

'The best performing small businesses have five factors in common: A strong leadership team. The ability to attract and retain quality people. A disciplined approach to their business. The ability to strategically use technology. The wise use of trusted outside providers. Top-performing organizations rate not just a little better in these five areas -- but at least 100% better.

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Plans Are Nothing - Planning Is Everything

Six Disciplines

'The importance of business planning is frequently misunderstood. Here are 9 commonly-held myths: about business planning: Most small and new businesses don’t need business plans. You need an MBA to write a convincing business plan. Business plans are only necessary when you need to raise money. Business plans need to be long and address every last detail.

Planning 121
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The Top 10 Reasons To Measure Results

Six Disciplines

'The need for measurement may seem obvious, however, more often than not, it''s overlooked as being unnecessary by many leaders of small and midsized organizations. Let''s look at the top 10 reasons why your organization needs to measure its results: Measurement clarifies expectations. Measures are a the most transparent and clear means to communicate expectations to employees.

Deming 121
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Why Is Strategy Execution Difficult?

Six Disciplines

'“Why is strategy execution so difficult? …Let’s look at managing change. It should be hard: success means growth, growth means change, and change means uncharted territory. If these more obvious changes aren’t enough, every individual in your organization is growing and changing, too. Also the industry and your competitors are growing and changing—and you can’t afford to be left behind.

Execution 121
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The Toughest Part of Strategy? Execution!

Six Disciplines

'Strategy formulation, while extremely challenging and difficult, is usually not what concerns most small business leaders. In fact, it''s not even planning that worried worries them. It''s something even bigger and more problematic. It''s the execution of strategy that keeps many small business leaders awake at night! Why is execution so hard? Because making the plan work is even bigger challenge than creating the plan: Making strategy work is more difficult than the task of strategy making.

Execution 118
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How To Build Accountability Into Your Organization

Six Disciplines

'Many of the top-performing organizations we work with every day - have expressed a real need to build accountability into their organization. Take a quick minute – and consider the following key questions: Does each of your team members understand exactly what they are responsible for? Does your leadership team set consistent expectations for accountability?