What is your strategy?
That should never be the first question. HR needs leaders and leaders,
like generals, establish objectives and leave the strategy to the
supervisors and those responsible for executing. In the military,
strategy is the responsibility of sergeants and lieutenants.
Many of us, however, are responsible for executing and the strategy is
rightfully left to us. No significant activity should be initiated
without a strategy, but it is impossible to determine an effective one
unless it is derived from clear, specific objectives. There are a number
or approaches, but here is a simple five step process that is based on
the operations order the military uses:
- Determine the mission
- Identify specific goals and objectives
- Develop the strategy to attain those goals and objectives
- Design the process, organization, and structure to execute the strategy
- Measure and report
That’s it. Strategy is third, not first on the list. The more clarity
around the first two steps the easier the strategy will be to identify.
And the more aligned the objectives are with the organization mission,
the more beneficial the strategy will be to the organization.
“If you get the objectives right, a lieutenant can write the strategy”
is most often credited to George Marshall. He was an extraordinary
military leader and the recognized architect of the Allied victory in
World War II. But Marshall also believed in the importance of objectives
as Secretary of State and architect of the rebuilding of Europe,
President of the Red Cross, and Secretary of Defense. A recipient of the
Nobel Peace Prize, George Marshall was undisputedly one of the most
effective leaders of the twentieth century and his focus on objectives
was responsible for much of his success.
If you’re a leader, focus on the mission. And if you’re responsible for
executing you should also first focus on the objectives, the strategy
will follow.
Getting objectives right will make you a more effective leader no matter
what your level or function. No matter what your position, become
obsessed with objectives.
One of the great untapped HR roles is to help the organization and subordinate units
establish mission and objectives.
Establish your Mission, Objectives and associated Metrics...
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