HBR On Strategy
A Middle Manager’s Guide to Executing Strategy
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.
46:35
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Quick takeaways
- Mid-level managers must seek clarity in strategic goals and foster team engagement to enhance commitment and execution success.
- Acknowledging resistance to new strategies and facilitating open discussions can build trust and secure buy-in from team members.
Deep dives
Executing Strategy as a Mid-Level Manager
Mid-level managers play a crucial role in executing organizational strategy, often acting as the bridge between upper management and their teams. To effectively implement a new strategy, managers must first fully understand the underlying goals behind it, rather than just focusing on the tactics. This requires asking insightful questions to clarify ambiguities and determine what success looks like, as well as anticipating potential challenges in execution. By engaging their teams in this process, managers can foster a shared understanding and commitment to the strategic goals, ultimately increasing the likelihood of successful implementation.
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