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We often pride ourselves on our knowledge and ability to pontificate. The “The Smart-Talk Trap” is something we fall into often. If we sound good, we must be good, right? At some point, we have to stop talking and start doing, meaning, we have to show the ability to execute. Here is a framework to assess where you stand in your execution capabilities and how to improve.

Intent versus execution

If you are not clear about your intent, outcomes sought, goals, vision, and mission, then you will have chaos, no matter how good your execution capabilities. Hence Stephen Covey’s advice to “Start with the end in mind.”

If you do not have execution capabilities, but have clarity of intent, your usefulness is very limited. You will talk more and do less and you will be a barrier to achievements.

The first step is to honestly assess where you stand. Take the capabilities you need and find a spot for them on the matrix.

• Move vertically (upward) by improving the clarity of your intent. Define your vision, mission, and SMART goals. Organize your work into projects, programs, and initiatives; manage them like a portfolio. Meaning, add and remove projects based on priority.
• Move horizontally to the right by acquiring (or building) the tools, training your workforce to use the tools, and define a repeatable process. This is the table stakes to give you any hope of being able to execute. Then move up the food chain by improving your project management, use metrics to take decisions, and use feedback loops to improve.