You’d be surprised how often leaders struggle to balance the two most critical aspects of business success: strategy and execution. While strategy sets the direction, execution ensures that the vision becomes reality. Yet, according to research by Paul Leinwand , Cesare R. Mainardi, and Art Kleiner , only 8% of leaders excel at both. Why is this the case? More importantly, how can leaders bridge the gap?

Let’s dive into the root causes and actionable solutions outlined in their insightful article.

Image credit: HBR.ORG

The Dual Challenge: Strategy vs. Execution

Many leaders fall into one of two camps, each defined by a distinct but equally damaging flaw:

Common Problem #1: “Execution Over Strategy”

These leaders focus relentlessly on “getting things done” but often lack clarity about where their actions are leading. They pride themselves on efficiency, hitting deadlines, and meeting quotas—but in doing so, they neglect to align these efforts with a larger, cohesive strategy.

The result? Teams end up working hard without moving in a unified direction. It’s like rowing a boat energetically but not checking if it’s pointed toward the destination.

Common Problem #2: “Strategy Without Execution”

On the other end of the spectrum are leaders who can craft visionary, forward-thinking strategies. They dream big and inspire teams with bold ideas. However, they falter when it’s time to turn those ideas into actionable, measurable outcomes.

These leaders may develop polished PowerPoint slides but fail to address how the strategy will be operationalized. Without execution, even the most brilliant strategies remain hypothetical.

The Wrong Approach: Focusing on One at the Expense of the Other

The real issue lies in the mistaken belief that leaders must choose between visionary strategists or pragmatic executors. The truth is, you need both. Leadership today demands not just crafting a strategic vision but also having the ability to execute it effectively.

The Path to Bridging the Gap

To join the elite 8% who excel at both strategy and execution, leaders must adopt a holistic approach. Here’s how:

Commit to an Identity

A company’s strategy must align with its unique strengths—its “identity.” Instead of chasing trends or competing, focus on what your organization does best. When you commit to an identity, you create a foundation for strategic clarity and focused execution.

Example: Apple’s identity revolves around innovation and design simplicity. Every strategic decision and operational task supports this core principle.

Translate Strategy into Daily Action

One of the biggest pitfalls in leadership is the disconnect between long-term vision and day-to-day operations. Leaders must bridge this gap by breaking strategic goals into actionable, measurable tasks.

Tip: Use tools like OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) or the Balanced Scorecard to ensure alignment between high-level goals and everyday activities.

Leverage Your Culture

A strong organizational culture can make or break execution. Leaders who align their culture with strategic goals foster an environment where employees feel empowered to execute effectively.

Action Step: Reinforce behaviours that support your strategy through recognition, rewards, and role modelling.

Cut Costs to Grow

Effective execution often requires hard choices about resource allocation. Leaders must prioritize spending on initiatives directly supporting the strategy while eliminating non-essential activities.

Example: A retail company might reduce underperforming product lines to invest in e-commerce, aligning with its strategy to dominate the digital space.

Shape the Future

Sustaining success requires developing the next generation of leaders who can uphold and evolve the strategy. This means creating leadership pipelines and fostering strategic thinking across all levels of the organization.

Key Insight: Invest in leadership development programs emphasising strategic acumen and operational excellence.

The Payoff: Long-Term Success

Leaders who master the dual art of strategy and execution position their organizations for enduring success. They inspire confidence, foster alignment, and drive results.

The next time you find yourself gravitating toward either strategy or execution, remember this: the real challenge—and opportunity—is to excel at both. By committing to a clear identity, translating strategy into daily action, leveraging culture, allocating resources wisely, and shaping future leaders, you can bridge the gap and join the 8% of leaders who truly make a difference.

Final Thought: Strategy and Execution Are Two Sides of the Same Coin

There’s no room for choosing between vision and action in today's fast-paced, competitive world. Leaders who integrate the two create organizations that not only survive but thrive.

Are you ready to step up and lead with clarity and impact? The journey to joining the elite 8% starts today.

Take Your Business to the Next Level

Visualise Solutions is a boutique strategy consultancy firm based in Leicestershire, UK. Transform your business with our strategic advisory services, focusing on innovation, strategy formulation, and execution. Utilise our expertise in strategy, business model innovation, OKRs, and balanced scorecards.

You can learn more about us by contacting us now.

By Andrew Constable MBA, BSP

Keywords: Business Strategy, Innovation, Leadership