Strategic Thinking & Strategic Action

Fostering strategic thinking and strategic action by organizational leaders since 2007.

The Fake-Out: Your brain thinks you’re winning but you’re already losing
Strategic planning Lee Crumbaugh Strategic planning Lee Crumbaugh

The Fake-Out: Your brain thinks you’re winning but you’re already losing

February is the most dangerous month on the strategic calendar.

In January we are hopped up on adrenaline from the New Year start. March brings the rush of the first quarter end. February? February is when we fake ourselves out.

Odds are you have been feeling productive. Your calendar is full. You are clearing your inbox, at least of the important current stuff. You are "in the swing of things."

But, look closely at what you are doing. You may just find a terrifying reality: Your actions aren't strategic. Most of what you are doing likely does not directly relate to executing your 2026 strategic business plan. You are just managing the rush of business and day-to-day processes. Nothing much has changed since 2025.

I hope this is not the case for you. Too many of us get sucked into (or never escape) the subtle mechanism of what's called the Implementation Gap. It doesn't announce itself with blaring trumpets; it hides behind our mask of "busy-ness."

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Why strategy fails… and how to make it succeed
Strategic planning Lee Crumbaugh Strategic planning Lee Crumbaugh

Why strategy fails… and how to make it succeed

In the quest to achieve our vision, “Every organization and business leader has a strategic plan and they are executing their plan for greater success,” we have cataloged 16 causes of planning failure and suggested remedies. Here's our "watch out for it and what to do about it" list, designed to help leaders, owners, and professionals involved in strategic plan implementation assure that their efforts take the organization to the next level.

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California High Speed Rail to nowhere: Lessons for implementing our plans
Strategic planning Lee Crumbaugh Strategic planning Lee Crumbaugh

California High Speed Rail to nowhere: Lessons for implementing our plans

A New Year has befallen us, ready or not. Hopefully, you are ready. That is, you - and your organization, if you are a business owner or for-profit or non-profit leader - have a plan in place for the New Year.

Now your challenge it to execute your plan for greater success. Execution, or, as we strategists call it, plan implementation, should be your mantra.

Execution, or better said, lack of it, is where it all falls apart. While the exact percentage is unclear, it’s safe to say that more than half and up to three quarters of plans are either poorly executed or not executed at all. That’s shame! A plan which is not executed is worthless.

Achieving timely and effective plan implementation is critical to success.

To bring the point home, reflect on this true tale that illustrates the perils of poor planning and, especially, poor execution.

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