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The ‘cola wars’ have been going on for ages. It’s a term used by the media to refer to the tussle between the two leading cola brands in the world—Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Recently, when Coca-Cola launched Coke Zero Sugar, many consumers took to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the taste. Pepsi seized the moment by reminding people of Pepsi Zero Sugar and how it tastes the same as other Pepsi beverages. Pepsi even asked people to post pictures with a #MyCokeBreakUp to win freebies.
Such marketing strategies are part of the strategic implementation of a business. By tapping into these opportunities, businesses are likely to grow and make profits. There are several advantages to implementing strategic change. Read on to explore the benefits and successful ways to create and implement a plan.
Strategy Implementation Meaning
Leaders and managers need to devote time, effort and resources that’ll secure the ongoing success of an organization. Strategic implementation is a process that entails the execution of an organization’s plans and strategies that helps achieve long-term goals and targets. It helps divide tasks among various managerial levels and departments to maximize efficiency. As a result, businesses are able to develop, utilize and amalgamate the overall structure, control systems and culture for better performance and competitive advantage.
The strategic implementation process involves several steps that are essential in helping an organization innovate, grow and develop its vision. Let’s look at the strategy implementation steps in details:
1. Identify Your Goals
One of the most important strategy implementation steps is identifying the things you want to achieve. Having a clear end goal makes it easier to create a strategic implementation plan. Goals need to be realistic, attainable and time-bound.
2. Determine Everyone’s Roles
An important aspect of the strategic implementation process is building a roadmap and setting expectations among your team. It’s important to get everyone on the same page through clear communication and delegate tasks and responsibilities.
3. Monitor Overall Performance
One of the most difficult steps in the strategic implementation process is putting your plan into action. While it’s crucial to guide and support employees, you should find ways to make yourself available. Address or challenge any roadblocks that someone may be experiencing at any point.
4. Adjust And Revise
Strategic implementation is a time-consuming process that may face unforeseen challenges. There will be times when you move away from your original goal because of changing industry demands and expectations. It’s important to have an open mind and readjust plans whenever required.
5. Evaluate And Review
Once you’ve created your strategic implementation plan, check with your team. Make sure that they have everything (necessary resources) to successfully execute the plan. Once the strategy is implemented, evaluate whether you met your goals. Reviewing is necessary.
Strategic Implementation In Current Times
The strategic implementation landscape has inevitably changed since the pandemic. Unprecedented changes have transformed the ways businesses operate. Implementing strategic change in the new normal may be difficult but not impossible. Managers and team leaders need to shift their focus and be mindful of industry changes while devising a strategic implementation plan:
1. Increase Focus
It’s difficult not to run away from tough choices but you need to keep everybody focused. You can pick the top three or five products and strategic initiatives without which your organization won’t survive the market. Instead of canceling projects, delay the process but complete it eventually.
2. Minimize Complexity
Complexity in your plan can cause implementation paralysis. Some strategic implementation plans tend to be long-term, which means multiple revisions and adjustments. Different departments of internal committees may have plenty of advice to offer. By making everyone’s roles and contributions clear, you can reduce complexity and prevent unnecessary delays.
3. Foster Alignment
One of the biggest factors that can affect the strategic implementation process is the lack of alignment among teams. There needs to be a shared understanding among executive team members and there should be alignment in terms of vision and overall objectives. Everyone needs to be on the same page for successfully achieving common goals.
Now that the strategic implementation meaning and process are clear, it’s time for action. If you want to execute your strategic plan successfully, try Harappa’s Executing Solutions course. This strategy execution course will train you to effortlessly take a solution from idea to execution. The SANE Response framework will teach you how to navigate crises and respond calmly to situations. The Bifocal Approach will help you focus on both short-term and long-term visions. Be a dynamic doer with Harappa!
Explore Harappa Diaries to learn more about topics such as Importance Of Strategic Management, Benefits of Strategic Workforce Planning, What Is Strategic Management Process, and Strategic Management Process Examples to classify problems and solve them efficiently.
