The best strategy in the world won’t succeed without a leadership team that is aligned, accountable, and committed to execution. As a leader, your role isn’t just to set the strategy, it’s to ensure your team is prepared and empowered to bring it to life.

In many organisations, the gap between strategy and execution isn’t due to a lack of vision, it’s due to a leadership team that isn’t fully aligned or empowered to deliver. As leaders, we spend significant time crafting strategic plans, but the real test comes when it’s time to implement them.

Patrick Lencioni, in his work on high-performing teams (read more here), highlights the importance of trust, accountability, and commitment in ensuring teams function effectively. Without these elements, even the best strategy will falter.

To bridge the gap between strategy and results, leaders must cultivate an environment where execution is a shared responsibility. Here’s how:

1. Build a foundation of trust

Lencioni identifies trust as the bedrock of high-performing teams. Leaders must foster an environment where vulnerability is welcomed, and team members feel safe admitting mistakes and asking for help.

2. Clarify strategic priorities and roles

Every leader should understand how their function contributes to the broader strategy. Regularly reinforce key priorities and ensure accountability structures are in place.

3. Encourage constructive conflict

Healthy debate leads to stronger decision-making. Create a culture where leaders can challenge ideas without fear of personal repercussions.

4. Reinforce accountability through clear metrics

Establish transparent KPIs that align with strategic goals. Ensure each leader is accountable not just for their function but for the success of the organisation as a whole.

5. Develop leaders who empower their teams

Execution depends on leaders who can cascade strategy down to their teams, ensuring alignment at all levels. Invest in leadership development that focuses on communication, decision-making, and empowerment.

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So, as we move into the new year where strategy earns a renewed focus, here are some warning signs that indicate your leadership team may not be fully equipped to execute your strategy:

1. Silos and lack of cross-functional collaboration

If leaders are operating in silos, focused only on their own functions rather than the broader business strategy, execution will suffer.

2. Lack of healthy conflict and debate

Teams that avoid difficult conversations often fail to surface critical issues that could derail execution later. Disagreements, when managed well, fuel innovation and better decision-making.

3. Inconsistent commitment to priorities

Are your leaders frequently shifting focus or engaging in initiatives that don’t align with strategic goals? This could indicate misalignment or a lack of belief in the strategy itself.

4. Blame culture vs. shared accountability

A team that avoids responsibility or shifts blame when things go wrong is unlikely to execute effectively. High-performing teams own both successes and failures together.

5. Low energy and engagement around execution

If strategy meetings are full of great ideas but little follow-through, your team may not feel empowered to act.

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Is your leadership team truly ready to execute? If not, now is the time to build the trust, clarity, and accountability needed to close the gap between vision and results.

For more information or to enquire about one of our leadership workshops, please contact Mary Batchelar - People Consultant, OD and Learning & Development.