A strategic plan is only as valuable as the results it delivers. Most organizations don't lack good ideas, committed leaders or ambitious goals. The challenge often comes after the strategic plan is approved. That's where the Operational Plan becomes so important, translating strategic priorities into clear actions, accountabilities, timelines and measurable results. But having an Operational Plan isn't enough either. Are priorities translating into action? Do people understa

Over the past few months, I’ve been writing quite a bit about strategy and execution and what happens in the space between the two. It has also made me reflect on the organizations I have most enjoyed working with over the years. Many have been purpose-driven organizations: not-for-profits, healthcare and social service organizations, public-sector organizations, universities, associations and others whose success is measured by much more than the bottom line. One thing they

As we move into the fall, I’ve been thinking about a question I often ask leadership teams: Are we still positioned to execute what matters most? Most organizations already have plans. But conditions change. Priorities shift. New opportunities emerge. Risks evolve. Capacity and budget realities become clearer. Sometimes what is needed isn’t more planning, it’s a focused opportunity for leaders to look together at what is working, what has changed, and where their attention wi

As organizations begin looking toward next year's budget, it's worth remembering what a budget really represents. It isn't simply a set of numbers. It's one of the clearest expressions of an organization's priorities and choices. If a strategic priority matters, where are the resources to support it? If a major risk has emerged, has the budget changed to reflect it? If a key process isn't working, have resources been allocated to improve it? If leaders are asking people to ta

Over the past few weeks, I've been reflecting on what helps organizations move from strategy to meaningful outcomes. One factor continues to stand out: effective decision-making. Most organizations spend considerable time developing strategic plans, identifying priorities, and defining measures of success. Yet implementation can slow dramatically when people are unclear about questions such as: • Who has the authority to decide? • When should a decision be escalated? • Who ne