# Strategy Implementation: 6 Steps, Pitfalls, Frameworks > Learn strategy implementation with 6 steps, 5 success factors, and the McKinsey 7S framework to align people, resources, and systems and deliver results. Source: https://asana.com/ko/resources/strategy-implementation ## Strategy implementation: 6 steps, pitfalls, frameworks #### Summary Strategy implementation transforms your strategic plan into actionable results, bridging the gap between planning and execution. This guide covers the six key steps to successful implementation, essential components like people, resources, and systems, plus frameworks and solutions to overcome common pitfalls. Learn how to align your team, allocate resources effectively, and drive meaningful organizational change.Strategy implementation is the fourth step in the [strategic management process](/resources/strategic-management-stages), and it's where you turn your strategic plan into action. This can be anything from executing a new marketing plan to increase sales to implementing new work management software to boost efficiency across internal teams. Having a [strategic plan](/resources/strategic-planning) is great, but unless you have the bandwidth, resources, and support to implement it, it won't drive actual change in your organization. We're going to cover the key steps of strategy implementation, including potential pitfalls and how you can avoid them, and introduce you to a few frameworks to help you successfully implement any strategy you're currently working on. ## What is strategy implementation? Strategy implementation is the process of turning your strategic plan into action; it's how you move from deciding what to achieve to actually doing the work. Whether you're launching a new marketing campaign or rolling out software across your organization, a great plan is only as valuable as its execution. Your [implementation plan](/resources/implementation-plan) is the roadmap to successful strategy execution. It should include the following steps: - Define your goals - Conduct proper research - Map out any risks using a [premortem](/resources/premortem) approach - Schedule all milestones - Assign tasks - Allocate helpful resources - [참고: 실행 계획이란? 실행 계획을 세우기 위한 6가지 단계](/resources/implementation-plan) ## Why is strategy implementation important? A clear implementation process is essential for turning your vision into reality. Without a solid plan for execution, even the best strategies can fail to produce the outcomes you're looking for. Successful implementation delivers several key benefits: - **Alignment:** It connects your team's daily work directly to your company's biggest goals. - **Cut to the Core:** Everyone understands the strategy and their role in executing it. - **Accountability:** Clear ownership helps teams work with confidence and focus. - **Adaptability:** Your organization can respond to change more effectively. ## What you need to implement a strategy No matter how well thought-out your strategy is, you'll need to address these five [critical success factors](/resources/critical-success-factors) to successfully implement any strategy. **Component** **What it means** People A skilled team with the bandwidth to execute Resources Financial and non-financial assets to support the work Organization Clear roles, responsibilities, and chain of command Systems Tools and processes that support execution Culture An environment where teams feel valued and informed - [실행 계획 템플릿 만들기](/templates/implementation-plan) ### 1. People You'll need a team that understands the strategy and has the skills and bandwidth to execute it. Building [team effectiveness](/resources/team-effectiveness) starts with appointing, hiring, and training the right people, and ensuring the competencies needed to succeed are present in your project team. Asana 고객 성공팀은 저희의 실행 프로세스에서 빼놓을 수 없는 귀중한 존재였습니다. Asana 팀은 시간을 들여 저희 비즈니스를 파악했고 Asana를 최대로 활용할 수 있도록 실용적인 워크플로와 프로세스를 만드는 방법을 보여 주었습니다. Asana 고객 성공팀이 없었다면 해내지 못했을 것입니다. ### 2. Resources Effective resource allocation is one of the most important parts of strategy implementation. Resources can be both financial (e.g., labor costs) and non-financial (e.g., time to implement a strategy). ### 3. Organization Everyone in your organization needs to know what their responsibilities are so they can be accountable for their part in implementing the strategy. This also means the [team structure](/resources/team-structure) and chain of command must be defined and communicated so everyone knows who to contact during the implementation process. ### 4. Systems The tools, capabilities, and systems you've put in place are another key component. You have to understand the functions of each system and how they will support your strategic management process during and after implementation. ### 5. Culture The final key component is the [organizational culture](/resources/types-organizational-culture) within your company. Rolling out new strategies can be confusing and stressful for teams. Ensuring that everyone knows what they need to know and feels valued and included is crucial for a successful and effective implementation. - [참고: 변경 관리란? 성공적인 변경 관리 계획을 수립하기 위한 6가지 단계](/resources/change-management-process) ## The 6 key strategy implementation steps Before you can implement your strategy, you need to create a strategic plan. Once your strategic plan is set, it's time to get it on the road. There are six steps to follow on your way to a successful implementation. ### Step 1: Set and communicate clear, strategic goals To implement a new strategy, you first must identify clear and attainable goals. Your goals should include your [vision and mission statements](/resources/vision-statement), [long-term goals](/resources/long-term-goals), and [KPIs](/resources/key-performance-indicator-kpi). The clearer the picture, the easier the rest of your strategy implementation will be, simply because everyone will be working towards the same goals. ### Step 2: Engage your team To implement your strategy both [effectively and efficiently](/resources/efficiency-vs-effectiveness-whats-the-difference), you need to create focus and drive accountability. There are a few ways in which you can keep your team engaged throughout the implementation process: - [Determine roles and responsibilities](/resources/roles-and-responsibilities) **early on.** Use a [RACI matrix](/resources/raci-chart) to clarify your teammates' roles and ensure there are no responsibility gaps. - [Delegate work effectively](/resources/how-to-delegate)**.** While it can be tempting to keep an eye on everything, micromanagement will only hold you back. Once you've defined everyone's roles and responsibilities, trust that your team will execute their tasks according to the implementation plan. - **Communicate with your team** and ensure that everyone knows how their individual work contributes to the project. This will keep everyone motivated and on track. - [참고: 직장에서의 협업: 팀의 성과를 끌어올릴 수 있는 11가지 방법](/resources/collaboration-in-the-workplace) If your strategy depends heavily on data and insights, starting with a [research plan template](/templates/research-plan) can be helpful. Having that structure in place makes it easier to connect research findings directly to your implementation steps. ### Step 3: Execute the strategic plan [Allocate necessary resources](/resources/resource-allocation), like funding for strategic or operational budgets, so your team can put the strategic plan into action. Without the right resources, you won't achieve your goals, so this should be a top priority. - **Start with the end in mind** to effectively align your project's objectives, key deliverables, milestones, and timeline. - **Identify available resources**, such as your team's capacity, your budget, required tools or skills, and any other unconventional resources. - **Define a clear** [project scope](/resources/project-scope) so you know exactly what your project needs when. - **Share your project plan** with everyone involved in the implementation process using a work management tool. The better your strategic plan is built out, the easier it will be to implement. For a visual guide to map milestones, timelines, and ownership, use a [strategic roadmap template](/templates/strategic-roadmap). It connects your goals with real-time execution so teams can stay aligned from planning through delivery. - [참고: 처음 시작하는 데 도움이 되는 7가지 전략적 계획 수립 모델과 8가지 프레임워크](/resources/strategic-planning-models) ### Step 4: Stay agile You'll inevitably run into issues as you begin implementing your strategy. When this happens, shift your goals or your approach to work around them. Create a schedule to update your goals' status frequently. Depending on the strategy you're implementing, you can create: - Weekly [status reports](/resources/how-project-status-reports) for fast-moving initiatives - Monthly check-ins for ongoing projects - Quarterly reviews for long-term strategic goals Share these updates with your external stakeholders and internal team to keep everyone in the loop. Having a central source of truth helps streamline this process. Asana's work management software allows your team to coordinate in real time while giving everyone the freedom to [work asynchronously](/resources/synchronous-vs-asynchronous-communication). ### Step 5: Get closure Once you implement the strategy, connect with everyone involved to confirm that their work feels complete. Strategy implementation isn't like finishing a puzzle; it's more like planting a garden that continues to grow and change. Getting closure from your team is a crucial step toward completion. ### Step 6: Reflect Conduct a [post-mortem](/templates/postmortem) or retrospective to reflect on the implemented strategy, as well as evaluate the success of the implementation process and the strategy itself. This step is a chance to uncover [lessons learned](/resources/lessons-learned) for upcoming projects and strategies, helping you avoid potential pitfalls and embrace new opportunities. - [참고: 성공적인 프로젝트 사후 분석 미팅을 위한 6단계](/resources/project-post-mortem-tips) ## McKinsey 7S framework [McKinsey & Company](https://www.mckinsey.com/) created a framework of seven factors needed to implement a strategy successfully. The factors are split into hard elements (strategy, structure, and systems) and soft elements (shared values, skills, style, and staff). Hard elements are easy to identify and influence directly. Soft elements are less tangible and typically shaped by company culture. Here's how they break down: **Hard elements:** - **Strategy:** Your organization's plan to establish or maintain a competitive advantage over others in the field - **Structure:** Your company's organizational structure - **Systems:** The day-to-day procedures and activities performed by your teams **Soft elements:** - **Style:** The [leadership style](/resources/leadership-styles) in your organization - **Staff:** Your team and their general capabilities - **Skills:** Your team's competencies and skills - **Shared values:** Your [organization's core values](/resources/company-values-examples) To apply this framework to your strategy implementation process: - Start with your organization's shared values and ensure they align with your hard elements. - Identify how well your hard elements support one another and where changes could improve their interaction. - Do the same analysis for your soft elements. This analysis helps you identify what's working well and what needs improvement, giving you a clearer picture of how well your organization can implement change. ## Key factors for successful strategy implementation Effective strategy implementation remains a critical challenge for organizations. According to a [2024–2025 McKinsey survey](https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/how-strategy-champions-win), only 21 percent of executives reported that their strategies passed four or more of the Ten Tests of Strategy, representing a 40 percent drop from previous benchmarks. This underscores the importance of clear communication, consistent alignment, and committed execution when translating strategic vision into operational reality. Let's take a closer look at what these critical factors represent. - **Clarify your strategy.** Ideally, the strategy was well received in the boardroom, and your stakeholders and executives are on board. However, if it's not clearly defined, you may lose your mid-level and frontline team members along the way. Your team can only implement a strategy they understand, so be clear about your goals and strategic objectives. - **Communicate your strategy.** A poster, announcement, or newsletter won't be enough to communicate a new strategy to your organization. Diversify your communication strategy to ensure that teams know what's going on and create opportunities to ask questions so everyone feels like they're part of the process. - **Cascade your strategy.** A well-implemented strategy cascades through your entire organization. Involve your organization's managers and ensure that they understand the strategy so they can forward relevant information, tactics, and processes to their teams. While you may have informed your organization during the communication stage, this step is crucial in aligning every last teammate with your new strategy. Next, let's have a look at some of the challenges you'll encounter during strategy implementation. ## Strategy implementation pitfalls and solutions A significant undertaking, such as implementing a new strategy, comes with its fair share of obstacles. Below are four of the most common pitfalls you'll encounter when implementing a strategy, plus a few tips on how you can create solutions for your team. ### 1. Overwhelming or meaningless strategic plan **Problem:** If the strategic implementation lacks meaning and potential, or if there are too many puzzle pieces to consider, it can really put a wrench in your implementation. **Solution:** Use [SMART goals](/resources/smart-goals) to ensure that your strategic plan is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. This framework will ensure that your strategic plan is both meaningful and implementable. ### 2. No implementation in sight **Problem:** It's great to have a strategic plan, but without the resources and support from upper management, the implementation may never happen. **Solution:** Your strategic plan should include clear goals, consequences, and requirements to inspire the actual implementation of your strategy. The clearer the document, the easier it will be to get the resources needed to turn it into action. ### 3. Lack of communication and ownership **Problem:** A team that's not 100% sure what the strategy actually is and doesn't feel confident in their respective tasks can bring your implementation process to a halt before it even begins. **Solution:** Clearly define each team member's responsibilities and delegate any relevant work. This gives team members a sense of ownership of the strategy's implementation outcome. Ensure that your teammates have the authority and resources to execute their tasks. ### 4. Lack of accountability and empowerment **Problem:** Low visibility and a lack of accountability can make your team feel helpless. **Solution:** Schedule regular strategy reviews and team meetings to discuss each team member's progress, emerging issues, and strategy shifts that can contribute to the success of your implementation. Track the progress to give your team a sense of accomplishment whenever they check off another goal they've met. As long as you're aware of the challenges, you can tackle them head-on and avoid unnecessary setbacks. ## Plan, implement, celebrate Change isn't easy, but in order for your team to grow, it's crucial that your organization does too. Whether you're developing your strategic plan with a small team or communicating strategy across your entire organization, reliable [project management software](/uses/project-management) is critical. [Get started](/create-account) with Asana to keep your teams aligned and accountable throughout implementation. And once the strategy is successfully implemented, don't forget to give yourself and your team a pat on the back. After all, celebrating milestones like these is important too. ## Frequently asked questions about strategy implementation #### What are the 5 stages of strategic implementation? Most frameworks include five core stages: setting objectives, allocating resources, assigning roles, executing and monitoring, and evaluating results. #### What is the difference between strategy formulation and implementation? Strategy formulation is deciding what you want to achieve and why; strategy implementation is executing that plan, the how, who, and when. #### What are examples of implementation strategies? Common examples include training programs, new software adoption, communication campaigns, and process improvements designed to boost [operational efficiency](/resources/operational-efficiency). _**Sources:**_ [Harvard Business School](https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/strategy-implementation-for-managers) _|_ [MindTools](https://members.mindtools.com/aicks4s/the-mckinsey-7-s-framework) _|_ [OnStrategy](https://onstrategyhq.com/resources/strategic-implementation/) - [프로젝트 계획](/resources/project-planning-archived) - [비즈니스 리스크를 예방하는 비상 대책을 수립하는 8가지 단계](/ko/resources/contingency-plan) 비즈니스 전략 프로젝트 계획 #### 글쓴이 원래의 계획이 실패하길 바라는 사람은 아무도 없습니다. 하지만 확실한 차선책을 마련해 두면 어떤 상황에도 잘 대처할 수 있습니다. 탄탄한 예비 계획을 세우면 예상치 못한 상황에서도 효과적으로 대응하고 최대한 신속하게 원래 계획으로 돌아올 수 있습니다.비상 대책은 부정적인 결과를 초래할 수 있는 상황에서 용이하게 대처하고 ... - [효과적인 프로젝트 킥오프 미팅을 진행하기 위한 10단계](/ko/resources/project-kickoff-meeting) 프로젝트 계획 #### 글쓴이 프로젝트를 성공적으로 시작하려면 많은 노력을 쏟아부어야 합니다. 하지만 프로젝트가 시작되기도 전에 계획에서 벗어난 것처럼 느껴질 때가 많습니다. 프로젝트에 참여하는 팀원과 이해관계자가 저마다 다른 지식을 가지고 있으며, 기대치와 우선순위가 다양하기 때문입니다. 프로젝트를 시작하기 전에 모든 구성원과 보조를 맞출 기회를 ... - [이해관계자 분석과 그 중요성](/ko/resources/project-stakeholder) 프로젝트 관리 프로젝트 계획 #### 글쓴이 여러분의 프로젝트가 오스카상 후보작에 올랐다고 생각해 보세요. 상을 받은 뒤 무대에 올라가서 소감을 말해야 합니다. 누구에게 감사를 표하시겠습니까?프로젝트 관리에서는 프로젝트 이해관계자에게 감사를 표할 것입니다. 이해관계자는 프로젝트에 이해관계가 있고 어떤 형태로든 목표 달성에 기여한 사람들입니다. 업무를 수행하는 사람 ... - [아이젠하워 매트릭스: 할 일 목록의 우선순위를 지정하는 방법](/ko/resources/eisenhower-matrix) 리더십 프로젝트 계획 생산성 #### 작가 할 일 목록을 만드는 것은 업무를 완료하기 위한 첫 번째 단계입니다. 그런데 하루 안에 모든 일을 처리할 시간이 부족할 때, 어떤 업무부터 착수해야 할까요? 효과적으로 업무 우선순위를 지정하면 생산성을 높이고 가장 중요한 업무에 먼저 집중할 수 있습니다.아이젠하워 매트릭스는 긴급한 업무와 중요한 업무를 구분하여 효율적인 ... - [전략 실행이란? 성공적인 전략 실행을 위한 6가지 주요 단계](/ko/resources/strategy-implementation) 프로젝트 계획 전략적 계획 수립 목표 #### 작가 Strategy implementation is the fourth step in the strategic management process, and it's where you turn your strategic plan into action. This can be anything from executing a new ...