How would you characterize your organization when it comes to strategy execution?

Our reader poll today asks: How would you characterize your organization when it comes to strategy execution?

• We stay diligently focused on our strategy and avoid distractions: 22%
• We generally follow our strategy but occasionally chase distractions: 45%
• We mostly focus on distractions but still spend some effort on the core strategy: 23%
• We chase every shiny new distraction that comes along: 10%

Don’t chase shiny objects. The core of strategy is saying “no” and staying focused on the path to your vision. While occasional opportunities might come along, your task is to differentiate between those that get you closer to achieving your vision and those that will lead you astray from your chosen path. 1/3 of you clearly have trouble avoiding the distractions. If that’s the case, push your organization to more clearly articulate its mission and vision. With those in hand it’s much easier to make the case for not pursuing a distraction because you can show how the distraction runs counter to the organization’s goals. Keep the team focused on the most meaningful initiatives if you want to increase your odds of successfully achieving your vision.

Do you agree with these poll results? Let us know in the comments below!

– Mike Figliuolo at thoughtLEADERS, LLC

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These results were originally a SmartPulse poll in SmartBrief on Leadership which tracks feedback from more than 240,000 business leaders. Get smarter on leadership and sign up for the SmartBrief on Leadership e-newsletter.