It is that time of the year when organizations all over the world start holding retreats and offsite meetings to discuss their strategy for the upcoming year. This exercise has become part of the corporate calendar for almost everyone in some form or another and it is an extremely valuable activity if it includes mechanisms to create ownership of the strategy.
In this case, ownership means the comprehension and adoption of these strategies, key performance indicators and business goals by the decision-making members of your organization. You need ownership of the strategy to thrive in the middle management and front lines of your company because that is where all the incremental activities shape your overall performance.
It isn’t enough for them to know the strategy. They need to understand and appreciate not only its significance to the organization as a whole but its practical application to their own goals and responsibilities. More on that in a few paragraphs.
This adoption will be demonstrated in the performance of individuals and the larger team as you see increased autonomy in tactical decision-making. Judgments will start to be made based on the foundation of the strategy and will start passing a litmus test of sorts as people weigh individual decisions against attainment of those strategic goals and measures. In simplest terms, your team starts rowing the boat in the same direction.
The challenge, of course, lies in creating this adoption throughout your organization. At Redhawk Consulting, we suggest starting with the “What’s In It For Me” or WIIFM- for short. If an individual can see the benefit to them personally, they are far more likely to buy into the strategy.
People almost always make good decisions when an owner or senior leader is involved but are they making those same good decisions when no one is around? If they understand the role they play in your strategy and how that strategy benefits them personally, you have a self-perpetuating strategy which your team will own.
Do have something to add to this article? If so, email me at matt.hottle@redhawkresults.com or leave a comment.