In all organisations, the core business focus needs to take priority. Current complexities concerning organisational structures and emerging markets are consuming the focus of leaders and operating teams, leaving little to no time for strategy delivery.

The successful delivery of strategies is of paramount importance, especially during turbulent times like the present. Below, we’ve detailed some key elements that will be pivotal in the execution of winning strategies in the year 2023.

Alignment: Before commencing the strategy delivery journey, ensure that all key business stakeholders (which may include shareholders, board, leadership, and operating teams) have a clear understanding of the strategy, are aligned with what you are aiming to achieve, and know how you’re going to deliver. This will typically involve a range of roadshow and engagement initiatives along with the appropriate stakeholder group-calibrated communications collateral.

Sponsorship: Allocate a leadership team representative to sponsor the strategy delivery process. In the current climate, either a COO or EGM operations might be best suited for this role, given their operational focus and connectivity.

Budget: Allocate a strategy delivery budget to cater to all additional costs associated with delivering upon the strategy.

Ownership: Allocate an organisational champion to take ownership of the delivery of the strategy. This should be someone who is not caught up in the day-to-day business “quicksand”, who can establish currency in the business, is solely focused on strategy delivery, and who has access to all parts of the business to which the strategy relates.

Horsepower: Establish a special purpose team that has the required capability and capacity to work with the strategy champion in supporting the business to deliver upon the strategy. This could include a range of subject matter experts from across the business, combined with analytical and business intelligence capabilities.

Momentum: It is important to be able to gain and maintain momentum through all stages of the strategy delivery journey. This will include establishing clear delivery pathways, portfolio allocations, and delegations of authority to deliver upon the strategy.

Performance: The strategy champion should report to the leadership team each month. Strategy delivery performance milestones should be included in business plans with reporting to the board, leadership, and management occurring monthly.

Accountability: Leadership, management, and key people should be accountable for the strategy delivery, with associated performance targets and incentives.