From Boardroom to Bottom Line: Turning Strategic Intent into Measurable Impact
Sean Michaels
22 July 2023 at 15:34:00
Many CEOs assume that once a strategy is defined, execution will follow. However, without the right accountability, governance, and performance tracking, even the best strategies falter. This article outlines how to create a structured execution roadmap, ensuring every initiative delivers tangible business results.
Introduction
In boardrooms across Riyadh and Dubai, CEOs approve billion-dollar transformation initiatives. But why do so few generate measurable ROI? This article unpacks the CEO’s role in ensuring strategy translates into bottom-line impact.
Key Barriers to Execution Success
Overcomplicated Strategies – Many banking and telecom firms launch too many initiatives simultaneously.
No Clear Execution Metrics – If a digital transformation initiative lacks specific adoption KPIs, its success remains subjective.
Lack of CEO-Led Execution Reviews – Dubai Holding’s success is rooted in quarterly execution check-ins at the CEO level.
Best Practices from Middle East Organizations
Prioritize Execution Over Strategy Rewrites: Etisalat UAE reduced its 50+ digital initiatives to 10 high-impact projects, resulting in a 30% faster deployment rate.
Hold CXOs Accountable for Execution Metrics: The best CEOs in Saudi conglomerates enforce a scorecard-driven execution model.
Use Incentives to Align Execution Success: Many family-owned enterprises in the region now tie CXO bonuses directly to execution outcomes.
Conclusion
Boardroom intent means nothing without disciplined execution. CEOs in the Middle East must demand execution discipline and enforce accountability.