Despite record-high stock prices and at least some rosy analyst estimates for the second half of 2014, many American businesses are struggling with fundamental growth challenges. In fact, analysts have overestimated earnings growth in three of the past four years. Of 108 S&P 500 companies that have issued 2Q guidance, for 81 companies, that guidance has been negative. So while share buybacks, de-leveraging and other corporate initiatives have pumped up stock prices, they also pose the question of whether U.S. companies can deliver strong, reliable revenue growth.
How will businesses create value for shareholders three or five years from now, once the financial leaning-out of corporate America has run its course? Most companies expect to continue growing faster than the overall economy, but our recent research suggests otherwise.
Even if a CEO has a growth strategy, our research points to the fact that the organization often isn’t ready to deliver on it. In one survey, 55% of respondents reported that their companies were not focused on executing their strategy, while 42% said their companies weren’t aligned behind their strategies. In a second survey, 83% of respondents said their business strategy wasn’t well understood across the company. And less than a quarter believed their company’s strategy translated into concrete operational objectives and initiatives.
That said, some companies are able to establish bold strategies and execute on them effectively. How? These companies know what they can do better than anyone else. And they identify ways to leverage those capabilities to grow their markets. Think of Amazon’s key capabilities in retail interface design, supply chain management and customer analytics. Those distinctive capabilities allow Amazon to outcompete its rivals.
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.
