Getting results is all about execution. Lots of organizations have hopes and dreams, goals and objectives. How many ever become reality? We have all learned this lesson from playing or spectating sports events. Execution on the playing field determines who wins and who loses. We can have the best game plan, equipment and facilities, but we still lose if we don’t execute well. Businesses are the same way – especially in our current economic climate. We have to make the most of of our opportunities and depend on our people to do the right thing at the right time. Here are some common pitfalls that we should all learn from and work hard to avoid.
Too many leaders, not enough managers. Superior execution requires general management talent. Many of us tend to forget about the nuts and bolts of general management. The general attitude toward career progression puts too much emphasis on managers rising to the executive team. Companies need people that are willing to get their hands dirty and make things happen. Perhaps middle managers need more recognition.
There is not enough time. Companies do not have the luxury of time and are forced to make organizational changes on the fly. This requires employees that are adaptable and are able to take-on difficult challenges. Hire employees with these personality traits.
Too difficult to fix. CEOs on average are only in their position for six years. They tend to focus on short-term wins and leave the more difficult problems for their replacement.
We instill a “hero” mentality. Fighting fires makes us feel important, gets the adrenaline flowing and grabs the attention of executives. However, improving a company’s execution capabilities requires that managers direct their attentions to identifying root causes and eliminating problems. Stop supervising problems and look for ways to improve productivity.
They don’t know how. Many general managers rise up from specialist positions. Traders are promoted to run banks, engineers to manage technology firms, lawyers to oversee law firms. They excel in their sport, but they are often ill suited for managing their team.
