Lacking Strategy Execution – A Dramatic Case Study

The issue of a fragmented or missing strategy and shortcomings in its execution can have dramatic consequences for organizations and the personal lives of people in Greece.

In a comprehensive article, the German newspaper, Süddeutsche Zeitung, analyzed the current Greek economic crisis and the shortcomings in Greece’s strategy to deal with it. These failings are as follows: 

1. Missing vision. Prime Minister Papandreou plainly communicated the challenges and problems, but failed to deliver a clear vision. People will not commit to necessary changes if they do not see a promising destination.
2. No strategy process. The initiated measures build a loose framework of different activities in which of each has a positive intention to help solve the crisis. However, there is no consistent strategy process in sight that would link strategic themes and drive the consistent accomplishment of goals.
3. Too few clear and executed decisions. The people do not see enough decisions that are made and systematically executed. Instead, there is a culture of no or slow implementation and weak follow-through.
4. No short-term wins. It is essential in each transformation project that the stakeholders see short-term results to stay motivated to go the full distance. Who has seen any?

How well does your leadership team manage these key topics for the successful execution of your organization’s strategy?

I find it amazing how the key principles of successful strategy implementations (which are frequently repeated in this blog) are disregarded when it comes to one of the most challenging change projects: transformation of an entire economy. Should I ask Mr. Papandreou to give me a call and read our blog?

P.S. You are Greek, too! Read more.

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