Missing Pieces in Strategic Planning and Execution: The Talent Development Perspective

Few organizations are highly successful with strategic initiatives. To help to overcome this disappointing record, it is beneficial to approach strategic planning and execution through a talent development lens. Ultimately, strategic initiatives fall short of expectation because of flaws in either the strategy itself or its execution. Eight common issues are among the ingredients that are often lacking in strategy; these missing pieces are identified, as well as suggested remedies that would lead to better strategic outcomes. Two strategy development frameworks are offered that facilitate the integration of the talent lens into strategic efforts. Strategy depends on the talents and processes of an organization as it designs and implements strategic initiatives. Perhaps the most important strategy of all is to take steps to ensure the ongoing growth and maturation of the people who design and implement strategy.