A strong strategy can fail if your organization isn’t ready to execute. Before you launch a major initiative, assess whether the people involved have the commitment, capacity, and capabilities the work requires. Ask these three questions before moving forward.
Do they have the appetite for change? Appetite shows up when priorities collide, when the work becomes inconvenient, and when people have to decide what they’ll protect. Appetite is built through ownership and meaning, so invite meaningful input before the strategy is finalized, and help people connect the work to something they personally value. This will create the energy needed to see things through.
Does the system have capacity for change? Capacity is about how much a system can absorb before it begins to break. Ask which conditions need to exist for the new strategy to succeed. Reduce competing priorities, clarify decision-making, shift resources toward the most important work, and protect time for focused thinking and collaboration.
Do people have the right skillset to execute? Compare the capabilities the new strategy demands with those currently in place. Identify gaps early, then close them through coaching, support, practice, and progressively challenging assignments.
