Strategy implementation

Structure and systematics

What is strategy implementation?

In all development-oriented organizations, there is a constant focus on how the organization can perform a little better tomorrow than it does today. In this process, goals are formulated at different levels of abstraction – such as visions, strategic objectives, and concrete performance targets. These goals describe what the organization wants to achieve.

However, such goals remain little more than aspirations if they are not accompanied by a strategy. A strategy defines how the organization will realize its goals. Metaphorically, strategy can be described as the bridge that connects the current situation with the desired future state. It specifies which initiatives must be launched, where resources should be allocated, and what requires leadership attention in order to achieve the desired outcomes.

Strategy implementation is the process through which leaders, together with others, ensure that the organization’s strategy moves “from paper to practice.” Put differently: strategy implementation is the concretization phase that strategies undergo when they are translated into real-world practice.

Why is strategy implementation important?

Strategy implementation is essential because it is the lever that enables positive change in an organization. If strategies remain only on paper without being activated, they make no tangible difference in practice. In other words, implementation ensures that strategy does not end up as lofty intentions but instead is translated into practice – leading to concrete changes in attitudes, competencies, behaviors, and outcomes that support the goals the organization seeks to achieve.

The systematic and sustained work of implementing strategy is therefore critical for any organization that wants to increase its chances of successfully realizing its strategic ambitions.

How do we work with strategy implementation at LEAD?

LEAD is a research-based consultancy, and our work with strategy implementation is grounded in the latest research in the field – including books we have authored ourselves. We are researchers, specialists, and practitioners with many years of experience, which means we combine cutting-edge knowledge with the tools to translate it into concrete change.

We know what works well – and what does not. Research shows that one of the most critical pitfalls in strategy implementation is the lack of systems and methodology. Too often, strategies are implemented in a way that is ad hoc and unstructured, and when this happens, the goals they are meant to support are rarely achieved.

The research also highlights the solution: organizations should apply implementation models when working with strategy. An implementation model provides a framework that outlines the activities involved in the implementation process, supporting practitioners in bringing structure and discipline to strategy implementation.

Based on this, we have developed our own approach to strategy implementation, where structure and methodology are at the core. We use our own strategy implementation models, which build on some of the leading frameworks from research. These models include a series of phases with corresponding activities that can be tailored to the specific needs of an organization.

At LEAD, we work with strategy implementation in both linear and circular ways – because we know that the right approach depends on what is being implemented. In every case, however, we ensure that implementation is anchored in solid upfront planning and structure, while continuously adapting and adjusting in response to learning and feedback from the organization.

Inspiration

We Support you in Implementing your Strategy.

We offer leadership and organizational sparring sessions, research-based education, and presentations on benefit realization, as well as tailored programmes that build strong, general leadership competencies.

Our services include:

Presentation

Inspiring, research-based talks on benefit realization for all organizational levels.

Sparring

Strategic consultation to support organizational development and decision-making initiatives.

Workshops

Interactive workshops focused on competence development for leaders and executives.

Contact us to learn more about what we can do for your organization

Are you facing organizational change? Do you need strategic advice or a leadership development program?

Contact us so we can tailor a program that develops exactly those competencies and structures needed to strengthen and future-proof your organization.

Just Justesen

Partner

Phone: +45 23 41 32 32
Email: jbj@lead.eu