Putting strategy into practice is notoriously difficult. In our experience, the primary obstacle to strategy execution is a failure to balance the inherent tensions that characterize any major execution effort. Successful strategy execution calls for skillful orchestration of sometimes opposing forces and competing needs. In particular, there are four core tensions that leaders need to balance.
Good Strategy Execution Requires Balancing 4 Tensions
Creativity versus discipline, for one.
November 03, 2017
Summary.
The primary obstacle to strategy execution is a failure to balance inherent tensions. In particular, there are four core tensions that leaders need to balance. First, setting an inspiring end state while also including specific and challenging mid-state targets; second, top-down control versus democratizing change; third, developing new capabilities while also pressuring workers to deliver results; and fourth, striking the balance between creativity and discipline. Getting strategy done well often calls for trade-offs. Companies that can achieve a balance between opposing forces are far more likely to realize successful strategies that endure.
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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.