Successful Execution results from Tactical Approaches and Strategic Focus

In my last blog, I had mentioned about “Mindset Matters”. The article focused on the importance of positive mindset on finding solutions. Execution is considered to be the first and an important step towards improvement. After identifying the solution the more important aspect lies in “Executing the solution”. Effective execution occurs when the right things are done efficiently. If you do not have thinkers inside, you can use consultants to give you the solutions. You have to execute them yourself.

Stephen Levine has rightly said, “Buddha left a road map, Jesus left a road map, Krishna left a road map and Rand McNally left a road map. But you still have to travel the road yourself”.

This is all about execution. In your endeavor to travel the road, you might come across small hurdles. Some of them may go against your prescription based on the value system. Do not forget you have to succeed; you have to create an execution engine which delivers first time and every time. First time delivery is important to go on to the second part “Every time”.

I am sharing some of my experiences in delivering first time” and also on the approach towards delivering “Every time”. I suggest the following framework:

1. Tactical approach:
Let us assume you are in a situation where project is in deep red state. You have lost the customer’s confidence. Customer has an image of the problem. The image may not be right in entirety. But it is customer’s perception. Since the project is in red, your own management generally, may also be watching each step cautiously. Small successes are important here. Concentrate on small successes. This will help getting customer confidence back. This will help in generating a ray of hope and positivity in the mind of customers. This will also bring back management’s confidence in project team. Sometimes, your long term approach may not be gelling well with the short term actions you need to take to get small results. Let us say you have a customer nominee who has set a mind set. It is important to take him to confidence. Eventually, your success will help you change his mind set. At this stage do not work towards changing his mind set. Work towards getting quick fixes. Concentrate on low hanging fruits. Needless to say you have to win long term battle. Keep on doing what is required for long term success.

2. Strategic Approach:

I am assuming you have simple solutions which maps with the problems. That is the first step for proceeding. This will tell you to find a solution which will work. There are two key aspects for strategic success:
a. Long Term solution success:
During the execution process, attention to detail is required. Ideally this is PM’s work but if you sense that the PM needs help, then you need to step up and coach him. Let the PM understand the philosophy behind the solution. He accepts this one and pushes for success. You need to ensure that your monitoring system is fully aligned with the solution. During the course of execution there may be a need to course correct based on the feedback received from the monitoring system. If these simple steps are followed, the success will greet you.

b. Internalization:
I have personally tested the success going through the above framework. Let me also confess that I have also slipped back on few occasions. I have realized that once solution is achieved then process has to be internalized. You cannot keep on having close watch regularly. You need to step out but keep a watch through certain control system till there is an evidence of internalization. You may continue using the dash board you used for successful execution. If you think appropriate, the dash board can be tweaked.

The success Mantras are: stay focused, ensure attention to details, coach the people, slowly pass control and make them expert.