3 steps for any successful strategic implementation!

Question: What are the steps for successful strategic implementation?
Answer? It depends on the program or project, but these are the first 3 steps that will make you successful in any implementation.

1) Is there a clear vision and goals? Do the stakeholders agree and can you clearly articulate this to the organization? If the answer is no, DON'T move forward with the project until this is clearly defined. It is imperative that the team understand the bigger vision and goals.
2) What are the success metrics? If the stakeholders can't articulate or agree on the success metrics, DON'T move forward with the project until there are success metrics. What is the strategy going to measured against? How will you know if it is successful? The team implementing the strategy needs to understand what the measures are to ensure they execute the project strategically.
3) Have you communicated to the team?: Clear vision and goals along with agreed upon success metrics give your team a compass to travel by. Ensuring that the vision, goals and success metrics stay front and center is your job as a leader. Be sure the vision and success metrics are on every document that is shared and that you start every meeting with this same information. Focusing on these will give your team a critical tool they need to determine the "right path". If something they are working on will not meet the vision, goals or success metrics, they know to question their path.

I know this seems simplistic, but it works!

Execution- The Discipline of Getting Things Done

This book is an excellent reference tool for strategic implementation.
The link is a 1 page summary of the book for those of you who want the cliff notes!
In defining execution Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan hit the nail on the head when they say "7. The way to link the three core processes of any business- the people process, the strategy and the operating plan- together to get things done on time."
Successful businesses realize the importance of strategic execution- not for the sake of following a process to get something done, but to bring business strategies to reality through your team.
Be clear in your strategies- communicate consistently
Foster a culture of honesty, collaboration, results and success
Empower your team to execute the business strategies
Celebrate success
These are the keys to bringing business strategies to reality through your team.