Speed: A New View-Execute Strategy Faster and More Effectively by Focusing on People Factors

By: Henry M. Frechette and Jocelyn R. Davis and Edwin H. Boswell

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Synopsis: All executives agree that speed is necessary to a successful business. "Strategic speed" is where urgency meets execution-implementing plans and strategies not just quickly, but well. It's something leaders pursue every day and are paid to achieve, yet few are satisfied with the speed of execution within their organizations. In this chapter, the authors, all executives at a global consulting firm, reveal a surprising truth: that you achieve strategic speed by focusing on people. They also uncover a big mistake leaders often make in their quest for speed: they pursue it primarily by manipulating processes and technologies. Using real-world examples such as mobile communications giant Vodafone Group and IT services provider SunGard, the authors explain the three "people factors"-clarity, unity, and agility-leaders must focus on to achieve strategic speed and create real value for their organizations as well as for their customers. This chapter was originally published as Chapter 1 of "Strategic Speed: Mobilize People, Accelerate Execution."