HBR On Strategy

A Middle Manager’s Guide to Executing Strategy

121 snips
Jan 22, 2025
Andrea Belk Olson, a strategy consultant and writer for HBR, shares essential advice for mid-level managers tasked with executing new strategies. She addresses how to navigate personal disagreements with the plan and handle team resistance effectively. Olson emphasizes the importance of communication and transparency, especially under the unique challenges faced by women in leadership. She also explores the significance of inquiry-based approaches to clarify strategic implications and engage skeptical teams in achieving organizational goals.
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ADVICE

Understanding Strategy Economics

  • Mid-level managers should learn the economics behind corporate strategies.
  • Understand the reasons for decisions and how they contribute to the bigger picture.
INSIGHT

Gender Stereotypes in Strategy

  • Women are often stereotyped as good executors, hindering their strategic contributions.
  • Focusing solely on deliverables can trap women in a "doer" role, not a "visionary" role.
ADVICE

Preparing for Strategy Execution

  • Before executing a strategy, understand its motivations and objectives.
  • Determine the data needed for clarity, identifying sources like research or internal resources.
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