Several years ago, I was serving on the board of a company as it launched a 5 year strategic plan. Although the plan was set to end in December of 2020, COVID-19 interrupted the plan’s execution and the company needed to pivot. In January of 2021, the company launched the next 5 year strategic plan that encompassed some of the key elements of the previous plan.

Ultimately, as 2022 came to a close, the company achieved the significant portions of the original 5 year plan. The numbers were great, as were the metrics. It was a resounding success.

As we exited the end of the year board meeting, I heard a few of the other board members comment, “Great numbers make great meetings!” And they were right–but what was behind the numbers? Years of hard work, dedicated effort, and considerable accomplishments that got the company to that point, including:

A well-formulated, data driven strategy–and one that was adaptable to change in the midst of unexpected circumstances.

Dedicated leaders who had the vision to navigate the company through the economic uncertainty of a worldwide pandemic.

Focus and discipline throughout the company to execute each goal and objective.

Agility, flexibility, and the ability to pivot in the midst of unprecedented events.

Resiliency as the company found itself with the need to readjust the strategic plan.

Performance, hard work, and grit.

A balanced risk approach.

Smart financial management during a time of economic uncertainty.

Ultimately, what made these accomplishments possible can be summarized in two words: company alignment. But why is alignment so crucial? According to research conducted by Forbes, 65% of companies have a strategic plan. However, only 14% of their employees understand the strategy and how it relates to their own job responsibilities. In other words, it’s rare for a company’s strategic plan to be internalized throughout the organization.

So how can WallerCo Advisory help you create the level of alignment needed to execute your organization’s strategic plan? Here’s what worked for us:

• A strategic plan that’s easy to internalize.
• Clear objectives and tangible milestones.
• Recognition for accomplishments across all levels of the company.

As I reflect on this experience, it’s clear: The moon and the stars lined up in the execution of this plan, but really, everyone in the company lined the moon and the stars up through their unified efforts. It was the alignment that made the plan work so well.

Do great numbers make for great meetings? Yes–but great alignment is what makes for great numbers.

WallerCo Advisory is here to help you:

-create or refine your strategic plan

-align your plan with your team and your leadership

-define and implement a performance management system

-help to achieve the vision you have established

Reach us at www.wallercoadvisory.ca