Barrier # 5: History of lack of openness and poor communications - Overcoming Barriers to Planning and Execution

 

[Editor's Note: In Issues for Growth Vol. 31, No.11, we asked the question, "Are there barriers blocking your successful growth and execution?" We then listed the Barriers to successful Planning and the Barriers to successful Execution. We are continuing a series of Issues for Growth where we will tackle each of these barriers and identify ways to overcome each. We continue with Barrier #5. -dpm]   Over time, every organization will create barriers to success. The very things that made you successful as a startup or growing organization may prevent you from being successful at the next level.  Barriers to Planning Success ·              History of only partially developing plans ·              History of unreasonable expectations and unachievable goals ·              Lack of internal understanding about customers, competitors, and the market  Barriers to Execution Success ·              Gaps in management depth ·              History of abandoning projects ·              History of lack of openness and poor communications ·              History of poor delegation and leadership development ·              Lack of true accountability  Barrier#5: History of lack of openness and poor communications Solid execution of a strategic plan ultimately comes down to each member of the team doing his/her part to support the key strategic imperatives. To accomplish that each team member must have a clear understanding of how they fit. Companies with a history of a lack of openness and poor communications typically fail to communicate to all levels of the organization in simple, direct terms, and to follow-up to ensure that goals and objectives at each level align with the key strategies. They also fail to reinforce these key strategies with constant communication - using multiple means - to keep the important direction in front of all employees.  What are the characteristics of this barrier in an organization? ·     Ask various employees what the top three goals of the organization and you will get the following responses: "I don't know"; "To make money" or a mixed bag of other responses that do not match those developed at the top of the organization.  The impact on an organization ·     Disengaged employees, or those with oars rowing in different directions. Overcoming this barrier ·     Change your planning and execution process to include: ·     Involve multiple levels in the planning process ·     Align strategies with company vision ·     Communicate strategies in understandable language ·     Integrate strategic plans, annual performance plans and goals, and other relevant budget, finance, and acquisition plans ·     Contain measurable and observable performance targets ·     Establish means for frequent communication, reinforcement and feedback  Identifying the barriers to planning and execution is critical. Companies that have addressed the barriers are amazed at how much more their management teams are engaged and how the process energizes the entire organization. CEOs of companies that have had years of poor planning and execution history, find that their organizations are far more capable than they ever imagined of achieving superior results.  The Mead Consulting Group has helped many companies identify and overcome the barriers to successful planning and execution. Our Customer ForwardTM Strategic Growth & Execution process is simple and effective at uncovering the key obstacles and barriers and developing recommendations for improvement - then laying out the best strategic path. Finally, validating that strategic growth & execution plan with customers and the market.  If you would like to have a conversation about this, please contact Dave Mead at (303)660-8135 or meaddp@meadconsultinggroup.com.