How to Brilliantly Execute a Team Plan
Managers do not execute plans very well. Unfortunately, it is extremely costly. Certainly, it destroys teamwork and limits company profits.
However, let me ask you a question. If a company has “low-cost provider” (or quality or service) as a key corporate strategy, will they do everything they can to execute it well to win? Of course! They will identify tactics throughout the organization to succeed, right?
Why is it that, according to a Fortune survey, 82 percent of CEOs were concerned about their companies’ ability to execute the company plan? Furthermore, why is it that only 27 percent of the time the workload of employees is considered in making these plans? In addition, why is it that only 5 percent of managers can really articulate their company’s strategy? One company recently bragged it had over 100 initiatives to achieve its customer loyalty strategy. Furthermore, what do you think the odds are that they will make excellent progress? Kotter says 70-75 percent of these change efforts do not work or meet expectations.
Top 10 Reasons Managers Execute Plans Poorly
This Catch-22 of grand strategies and failed attempts, plague business everywhere. There are many reasons for the failures–here are the top ten. All of these can be overcome by preparation and follow-through.
- Lack of clear goals.
- Lack of buy-in.
- Resistance to change.
- Too many priorities.
- No accountability for results.
- Lack of capability in the team or resources.
- Poor on-going communication.
- Strategy and culture not aligned.
- Lack of planning detail.
- Rewards not tied to success.
Then of course, disaster strikes when the company has the wrong strategy. All these obstacles tend to paralyze or demoralize employees and managers alike to produce poorer results. It costs companies millions of dollars in lower productivity. Ineffective managers lose potential career opportunities. So, what can you do as a manager to overcome this and SUCCEED?
4 Key Principles to Execute a Plan Successfully
To begin with, focus on these four key principles: Clarity, Competence, Commitment and Consistency. These will help you become more effective than others, and most likely gain you flawless execution, which will be noticed by top management.
Clarity
Once you know the strategy, establish your goals and plans. Include your team in this process; you will get better ideas and buy-in. Then, review this with your boss for input and confirmation. Create individual plans for each employee. Then, track results and discuss these with your team regularly. We have found that 80 percent of performance issues are because a lack of clear expectations and goals.
Competence
Ensure that your team can win by making sure that they have the knowledge and skills they need. Schedule regular on-going training and coaching to support your team. Partner with your HR team for parts of it and the rest you could do yourself by enhancing your own knowledge and skills. ‘Best in Class’ managers deliver 50-60 hours or more of training to their teams every year. They also conduct one on one coaching sessions at least monthly with each employee. Guess what? Their employees outperform everyone else.
Commitment
You must work at gaining your team’s belief and trust in implementing goals and plans. Most importantly, this starts with you being a better leader. Communication is a key for the team to believe in you. Include them in your planning, as discussed. Give them the credit and recognition for a job well done. Follow-through on your commitments. Make yourself readily available, and show that you care about each person’s success on the job. Learn to listen to your team. These types of behaviors involve excellent coaching. They will help you build a team that will go the extra mile for you.
Consistency
Finally, you must execute day in and day out, not just occasionally. For example:
- Clarity–review and adapt goals for more effectiveness on a weekly or monthly basis.
- Competence–training and coaching needs to be done on a regular schedule throughout the year.
- Commitment–this is about the work climate you create and the teamwork you establish by doing business with integrity and caring.
Summary
All these actions make employee engagement and better results a reality. In conclusion, remember these words, “Leadership consistency means following a good plan even when it is inconvenient and hard. And, as you do, raising your performance to another level of effectiveness.”
Also, do you want more ideas on how to inspire your team? Check this out this eBook-How to Motivate-NO-Inspire People.
In addition, go here for our RealTime Learning & Training leadership and personal development website. Micro-learning and career advancement at your fingertips!
Finally, do you want to accelerate your leadership success? Go here for Rick’s Superstar Leadership eBook.
