Every CEO has a vision—a bold strategy, a roadmap to the future. Yet, most strategies fail, not because they’re flawed, but because they aren’t executed effectively.
In a recent Chief Executive Coaching webinar, Bart Shuldman and Russ Howard, two seasoned CEO coaches, tackled this issue head-on.
“Building a strategy is the foundation for any business,” Bart explained. “And executing on its missions and goals is where success takes shape.”
The problem? Execution is where great ideas stall, where teams lose focus and where momentum dies.
Russ shared eye-opening data on the execution gap:
“This gap between strategy and execution is not just a leadership issue,” Russ explained. “It’s a business performance issue.”
So how do the best CEOs bridge it?
A strategy is only as strong as its clarity.
Too many CEOs overcomplicate their vision, making execution difficult. Bart’s advice? Keep it simple.
“Now, don’t overcomplicate your strategy. Simplicity makes it easy to implement, understand, and translate into clear, actionable objectives.”
The result? Focused teams, faster execution, and a company on track to hit its aggressive growth goals.
Execution fails when there’s no system for tracking progress. If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.
Russ shared the story of a home builder who had previously exited for $35M and wanted to scale again. His execution problem? Drowning in complexity and missing key performance insights.
Russ helped implement a red-yellow-green tracking system, developed by Alan Mulally, the former CEO of Boeing and Ford:
“So, you know, he could step away, and with all of those moving parts, he suddenly, for the first time, was able to manage by exception,” Russ explained. “It gave him a much more macro understanding of the business in real time.”
The impact?
Execution isn’t just about systems—it’s about culture. If employees don’t take ownership, strategies stall.
Russ helped a company turn execution into a cultural movement by letting employees self-select into teams:
“Everyone had an opportunity to sit down and describe themselves and talk about which team they thought they should be on,” Russ said.
The outcome?
Bart reinforced this approach: “If you set a corporate objective to be faster, better, cheaper—whatever, or all three—everybody’s marching to it.”
Execution isn’t a fixed plan—it must be adaptive.
“A business strategy must allow for an audible,” Bart emphasized. “Think about the pandemic—could your strategy continue when the world was shutting down?”
Bart built a monthly executive team review system that allowed anyone to “call an audible”—a real-time strategy adjustment based on new conditions.
“So, we built the ability for anybody on the team to call an audible—to bring to attention anything that could hinder the implementation of our strategy,” he explained.
CEOs who build flexibility into execution can react faster than competitors—and win.
Execution is where strategies live or die. CEOs are often too close to their own businesses to see what’s holding them back.
That’s why Bart and Russ work with CEOs one-on-one—helping them:
“Most companies don’t need a better strategy,” Bart said. “They need a better way to execute. That’s where coaching makes all the difference.”
If you’re struggling with execution, you’re not alone. The good news? It’s fixable.
Ready to take the next step?
Your strategy is only as good as your ability to execute it. Let’s make execution your biggest competitive advantage.
Chief Executive Coaching partners with CEOs to accelerate growth, align teams, and navigate complex challenges with confidence.
Our network of veteran CEOs offers tailored coaching to help leaders unlock their full potential, drive strategic execution, and create lasting value. Meet more of our coaches.
Interested in Learning More?
If you’re curious about how executive coaching can benefit you and your organization, we invite you to schedule a complimentary discovery call.
It’s a no-commitment opportunity to discuss your goals and see how our coaches can help enhance your leadership and business success.
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Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.