It is nearly impossible to translate — let alone execute — a strategy that you don’t understand. Yet, according to Donald Sull’s research in the March issue of HBR, almost half of top executives cannot connect the dots between their company’s strategic priorities; and two out of three middle managers say they simply do not understand their strategic direction. McKinsey and Company reported similar findings from its Organizational Health Index as did Timothy Devinney at Australia’s University of Technology in a recent experiment. Taken together, this research points to the fact that most leaders just don’t get what their organizations are trying to do.
Explain Your New Strategy By Emphasizing What It Isn’t
Contrasts will help your team understand how to prioritize.
May 18, 2015
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How to develop a winning strategy—and put it to work.
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New!
HBR Learning
Strategy Planning and Execution Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Strategy Planning and Execution. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
How to develop a winning strategy—and put it to work.