8 surefire communication techniques to convert your strategy into execution.

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“Plan your work and work your plan.” ~ Vince Lombardi

The quote effectively boils down to three fundamentals of top-end strategy –planning, execution and communication (one which is often omitted or subliminally implied). 

Strategy communication is crucial to strategy execution success. Though it might seem simplistic on the surface as everyone can communicate to some degree but the truth is it demands substantial skill and knowledge to communicate the relevant information to the desired people for the required action.

So the question isn’t ‘Was my message communicated?’ but ‘Was my message effective?’ because you cannot implement what you don’t understand.

Organisations that excel in their internal communications also excel in their financial performance.

Various researchers have proved that companies with highly effective communication practices have-

19 percent higher market premium 

57 percent higher shareholder returns over five years and levels

4.5 Times higher employee engagement than their competitors.

So, successful strategy execution depends profoundly on a detailed understanding of the strategy by one and all within the organisation.

Here are 8 techniques to communicate your strategy like a pro:

Tip 1: Take your time, don’t rush

Take time in communicating your new strategic plan to your team. Remember, the more comprehensively you explain your strategic objectives, the easier it will be for the team to comprehend their roles and understand how their actions relate back to the plan.

The more time you spend on communicating your intentions before implementation, the less time you will spend on clarifying objectives, roles and responsibilities.

Tip 2: Precision is not practical

It’s pretty likely that your strategic plan will change and evolve in the course of the implementation process. So, do not worry - there’s nothing ‘perfect’ when it comes to the communication or execution of a strategic plan.

Tip 3: Communicate long-term

Involve your key players’ right from the start of the implementation process. If you will keep the gates of communication open, your team will feel comfortable to approach you for any hurdles that they may encounter on the way.

Tip 4: Consistency is the king

There is no need of re-inventing the wheel while choosing the communication channels. Go for the ones that have worked for you in the past and you are most confident of. For example, if your organisation is driven by regular meetings or internal blogs, keep them going. The purpose is to streamline the process of communicating your strategy to your team and ensuring everyone is aligned with the same.

Tip 5: Keep it simple

You may have a detailed and complex strategy plan but the language you use to communicate these strategic priorities to your team doesn’t have to be that complex. Keep it plain and easy.

Tip 6: Involve and inspire.

If you are able to connect people to the strategic plan in an inspiring way, you are sure to get them excited about being involved. An inspiring vision sets a sense of ownership, dedication and enthusiasm among your team members and would surely have a positive impact on the implementation of the overall strategic plan.

Tip 7: Give a face to your strategy

Research shows that people first recall form, then colour and finally the text related to an image. So, develop a logo, slogan and give a name to your strategic plan – this will lead to more recognition and will help to keep your strategic priorities at the centre of your organisation.

Tip 8: Senior management is the FACE and people, the foundation of your strategy plan

Have your senior management on board as strategy ambassadors - one who are available to answer questions related to your strategic initiatives. Get your senior management team consistently cascade the enthusiasm, progress and wins throughout the organisation.

On the other hand, your people are the base of your plan. They play a huge role in the outcome of your plan. If you are unable to win over your people, there’s a good chance you won’t succeed with the long-term achievement of your strategic objectives. Engage and encourage your employees, thus advancing your overall strategic plan.

Remember,

The best strategic plans in the world are not likely to be successful if they are not effectively communicated to those who must implement them.