LDF Module 2, Spring 2013 – Execution: Translating Strategy into Action

Continuing where we left off with our last Module topic on Management vs Leadership we move on to Execution. Execution is a discipline. It is a specific set of behaviors and processes that companies need to undertake in order to achieve the desired results.  It is the ability to translate  your strategy and business plan into reality.

“Most companies only realized 63% of their strategies potential value due to deficiencies in planning and executions.” Harvard Business Review Study

Separate registration is required for each event.

Seminar: January 17, 6 pm

Speakers: 

• Steve Finkelstein, Senior Partner at Experience on Demand
• Eric Haupfear, Director of Process Technology, Monsanto

Where: Conner Auditorium, Farrell Learning & Teaching Center
Washington University School of Medicine
520 S Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110
accessible by Metrolink (Central West End Station)
(Map of parking and venue)

Discussion: February 28, rescheduled from February 21 due to winter storm warning

Led by Lisa M Balbes, Balbes Consultants LLC and ACS Career Consultant and Presenter

Where: The Edge (next to Covidien)
359 Marshall Avenue, Webster Groves, MO 63119
Map of venue; lots of free parking available adjacent

Time: 6 pm, Thursday February 28, 2013

Here are several articles that will help you prepare for the our February 21st discussion on Execution — Translating Strategy into Action. Please come with your questions, ideas and examples of execution.

• What are the Keys to Good Execution?
  If strategy is deciding what to do, execution is all about making it happen. Here are the keys to successful execution: http://guides.wsj.com/management/execution/what-are-the-keys-to-good-execution/?mod=WSJBlog
• How to Create a Culture of Action in the Workplace
  The first step in creating a successful culture of action is creating a bias toward action. Here’s how to do it: http://guides.wsj.com/management/building-a-workplace-culture/how-to-create-a-culture-of-action/?mod=WSJBlog
• CEOs Debate: Execution vs. Strategy
  The Journal polled top CEOs, asking them what’s the more important focus for a CEO: execution or strategy? http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123298367568115691.html
• New CEOs Who Alter Culture May Draw Ire
  Employees are more likely to support a new CEO pushing strategic change if he or she doesn’t also run roughshod over their culture. Yet few CEOs take the time to learn about the culture they have inherited. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118695696316895419.html
• Speed Is Key Question as CEOs Remake Team
  Determining whether and when to replace lieutenants is a key decision for new managers. Timing is critical: move too fast and managers risk dumping valuable institutional memory; move too slowly and changes may be delayed. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120510196243822967.html
• CEOs Should Stop Spinning, Start Thinking
  Today, with predictions of a more volatile year ahead, CEOs will be graded more heavily on their decisions. They must stop becoming experts on giving a positive spin to economic warnings and start analyzing the data at hand. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119784929145132573.html
• The Execution Trap
  Harvard Business Review article, which illustrates execution and points out what it is not. http://helppointdelivered.com/internet/zna/SiteCollectionDocuments/en/media/FINAL%20HBR%20The%20Execution%20Trap.pdf

Workshop: March 21, Preregistration required (register below)

Led by Steve Finkelstein, Senior Partner at Experience on Demand

Where: St Louis College of Pharmacy
Cartwright Student Center Carlisle A Room
4588 Parkview Place, St Louis, MO 63110
accessible by Metrolink (Central West End Station)
(Map of parking and venue)

Time: 6 pm, Thursday March 21, 2013

If you have colleagues who might benefit from this module, please use the brochure (LDF Flyer Module 2 A, 407kb) to let them know about the details.