Get better at execution

Everyone agrees planning is important but ability to execute the plan well is equally important. A good plan gives you a headstart but good execution is your commitment and follow through to making important things happen. Here are my 7 ‘S’s of strong execution;

SET UP: First thing is to be clear what is the defined problem or issue you are trying to overcome or solve. This clarity helps you plan how to move forward. The key question to ask yourself is ‘’What am I aiming to tackle and what workplan is fit for that purpose?’’

STANDARD: Be clear what results you are committed that ideally exceeds expectations. Prioritise the right activities that will ensure the quality you desire. Keep an eye on even the small things and check that any tasks you delegate will be delivered to a high standard too. The key question to ask yourself is : What will be my best and most effective work I can and should do?’’

STORY: Take responsibility for understanding why you are doing what you are doing; (And don’t say it’s because your boss asked you to do it). When you know the purpose you approach the task with the end in mind and can think through what you have to do, what you will require for the purpose to be served. The key question to ask yourself is: ‘’Why is what I am doing important and worth doing well?’’

SPEED: Be clear when you need to do the work by. Define meaningful progress checkpoints so that you keep a good pace and keep on track. Build in some time slack for dealing with unforeseen events that might risk slowing things down. If you need other people’s involvement, get their commitment and involvement early. The Key question to ask yourself: ‘’When do I need to get this done by and how can I ensure I deliver on time?’’

SHOCKS: Plans don’t always go totally accordingly to plan. So anticipate potential obstacles and challenges and have a strategy for dealing with them. A Key question to ask yourself: ‘’What could derail or delay progress and how will I address those?’’

SUBSTANCE: Know from the start what is tangible evidence that you are implementing to a high standard and getting the right results. What will you measure and how? A Key question to ask yourself: ‘’How will I know I am doing this task well?’’

SMARTS: Take time to reflect on how things went, what you can learn in order to set even higher standards and do even better next time. A Key question to ask yourself: ‘’What new thing did I learn that I can apply next time to improve my execution?’’

Now take action: How can you execute your assignments better?