The common perception is that strategy is done at the top of the org chart, and execution is done below. It is exactly the opposite – let me explain why.
CEOs Should Stop Thinking That Execution Is Somebody Else’s Job; It Is Theirs
Everyone is responsible for strategy, but responsibility for execution rests at the top.
November 21, 2017
Summary.
All too often, leaders assume that their domain is strategy alone, and that execution is something for their underlings to worry about. But in fact, strategy and execution have an awful lot in common — and they’re both vital leadership responsibilities. Specifically, strategy is the act of making choices about “where to play” and “how to win” across the various levels and parts of the organization. Execution is the act of parsing out responsibility for those choices, making sure people actually choose (instead of waffling around in indecision). That means that everyone is responsible for strategy — but responsibility for execution rests squarely at the top of the org chart.
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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.