Become strategy execution specialist with these instructions

Strategy deployment is challenging. This page contains material you can use to improve your odds of getting your strategy executed according to plan and turning your organization’s vision into concrete strategic actions.

There are many strategy implementation methods, but no single method suits all organizations and situations. The table below helps you choose the best method for your organization among the three most common methods: Hoshin Kanri, Balanced Scorecards, and OKRs.

Hoshin kanri, OKRs and Balanced Scorecard - learn which strategy implementation method is best for you:

Hoshin kanri

OKR

Balanced scorecard

Description

A goal-setting framework which combines long term objectives with annual objectives and improvement priorities with KPIs.


Alignment process to reduce waste and to ensure common direction.

OKRs are a goal-setting framework which consists of objectives and key results.


Measurable goals create alignment.

Strategy is formulated using 4 perspectives: finance, customers, internal processes, and learning & growth.


Aim to balance financial and non-financial KPIs.

Orientation

Change and performance.

Growth.

Performance and operational management.

Principle

Tiered according to organizational level.

Focus on teams.

Business unit focus.

Strategy horizon

3–5 years and focus on annual planning.

Focus on a quarter of a year with an annual horizon.

More than 1 year. Focus on annual planning.

Pros

  • Strong alignment across organizational levels.
  • Forces maintaining of focus & clarifying ownership.
  • Simple strategy visualization.
  • Fast pace
  • Relatively simple.
  • Aligned to roles in the organization.
  • Taught widely in universities.
  • Efficient in describing metrics of corporate strategy.

Cons

  • Perceived as a demanding method due to its lean roots.
  • Support for very short-term goals.
  • Easy to end up with too many objectives.
  • Alignment in a large organization.
  • Limits corporate strategy to a set of KPIs
  • Easy to lose the bigger picture.
  • Cascading down the objectives lacks precision.

Best suited to

Companies where internal cooperation and alignment are important.

Companies where the need for internal alignment is low.

Companies with simple organizational structure.

Hoshin Kanri’s simplicity has inspired Amplon to visualize strategy and engage managers and employees of all levels in strategy execution. However, Amplon went a step further and addressed the shortcomings of the Hoshin Kanri method. 

This means that companies using Amplon do not need to stick to the lean philosophy (unless they want to); companies can design a bottom-up strategy and easily adapt this software to their culture and processes. Amplon makes sharing common development projects and activities easy, ensuring focus in the organization. Instant monitoring of strategy through software dashboards allows for an immediate reaction to any deviation.

Learning material for Hoshin Kanri:

A leader leading Hoshin Kanri strategy deployement

3 basic elements of hoshin kanri

The three basic elements of Hoshin Kanri—setting tangible objectives, aligning goals across the organization, and implementing a structured review process—are crucial for strategic alignment and continuous improvement. Understanding these core components helps organizations effectively achieve long-term success.

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Compass symbolizing the future, representing the Hoshin Kanri strategic planning framework that aligns organizational direction and goal achievement

What is Hoshin Kanri

Hoshin Kanri is a strategic planning method that aligns an organization’s long-term vision with its daily operations, ensuring continuous improvement and clear communication across all levels. By focusing on setting and achieving breakthrough objectives, Hoshin Kanri helps organizations stay on track toward their strategic goals.

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Amplon interactive X matrix software providing a clear and easy-to-understand visualization of the X matrix

Implementing hoshin kanri with software

Hoshin Kanri software, like Amplon, revolutionizes strategic planning by using a digital X matrix to align organizational goals with vision and mission, ensuring transparency and collaboration. This approach offers real-time data updates and intuitive interfaces, making the strategic process more agile and efficient than traditional Excel tools.

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Amplon interface of interactive Hoshin Kanri X matrix for strategic planning and communication

The Ultimate Hoshin Kanri X Matrix Guide

The “Ultimate Hoshin Kanri X Matrix Guide” provides an in-depth exploration of the X Matrix as a critical tool for strategic planning and execution. This guide details how the X Matrix aligns organizational objectives, improvement projects, and KPIs to ensure cohesive strategy deployment across all levels. With a focus on clarity and alignment, the X Matrix simplifies complex strategic processes into a single, visually engaging framework.

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Download free Excel X matrix template

You might want to start your Hoshin Kanri journey with an Excel spreadsheet, which is a typical approach. However, Amplon is a Hoshin Kanri solution that addresses Excel’s shortcomings and is appreciated for its user-friendliness.

Strategy execution guides:

Top results are only achieved with a well-implemented strategy.

Elements of effective strategy

Effective strategy requires clear objectives, aligned actions, and consistent evaluation. Key elements of an effective strategy include setting specific, measurable goals, ensuring organizational alignment, and maintaining a feedback loop for continuous improvement. By focusing on these elements, organizations can enhance their strategic execution and drive long-term success.

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Operational pitfalls to strategy execution

Operational pitfalls, such as unclear priorities, lack of resource allocation, and poor communication, can significantly hinder strategy execution. Addressing these challenges requires a focus on aligning day-to-day operations with strategic goals, ensuring clear roles, and maintaining consistent communication across the organization.

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This picture is linked to the blog posting about 8 tips for creating winning strategies

8 tips for world class strategy execution

Effective strategy execution requires clear communication, prioritization, and continuous monitoring. Key tips include setting measurable goals, ensuring leadership commitment, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and maintaining flexibility to adapt to changes. Implementing these practices can significantly enhance the success of your strategic initiatives.

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What if your organization were perfectly aligned to execute its strategy? Amplon makes the alignment easy.