How do you develop strategy that looks good on paper and delivers real and measurable outcomes?

Understanding two distinct elements of strategy, development and implementation, is crucial for any business aiming for real results.
Too often, organisations focus on crafting ambitious strategies but fall short when it comes to putting them into action.

To ensure your strategy is both practical and actionable, start by asking the right questions at each stage:

STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT:
• Who is our target customer?
• What is our value proposition?
• Where are we going to compete?
• How will we win against competitors?
• What are our biggest challenges and risks?

STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION:
• What are our key objectives, and how will we measure success?
• What resources and capabilities do we need?
• How will we implement the strategy?
• How will we monitor progress and adapt?
• What assumptions need to hold true for our strategy to succeed?

By addressing both sides, the “what” and the “how”, you set your business up for strategies that don’t just look good on paper but deliver real and measurable outcomes.

Which of these questions do you find most challenging in your organisation?