Maximize strategy execution during the dog days of summer
Why Summer Vacations are Good for Business
July is one of the months when employees take the most vacations. And that's a good thing for your business. There's plenty of research that shows vacation time improves productivity at work. One study found that 78% of managers thought time off improved employees' focus. Another found that productivity increases by 31% when the brain thinks positively. So don't worry about your team taking some well-deserved breaks. They'll come back refreshed and ready to work harder and smarter.
How to Keep your Strategy on Track During Vacation Season
While vacations are beneficial for your employees and your business, they can also pose some challenges for executing your strategy. How do you ensure that your strategic goals and initiatives are progressing as planned, even when some of your key players are away? Here are some tips to help you keep your strategy on track during the dog days of summer.
- Clarify expectations on check-ins and progress. Before your employees go on vacation, make sure they know what you expect from them in terms of communication and deliverables. Do you want them to check their email regularly or disconnect completely? Do you need them to update you on their progress or delegate their tasks to someone else? Do you have any deadlines or milestones that they need to meet before or after their vacation? Be clear and specific about your expectations and avoid any confusion or misunderstanding.
- Stay flexible and adaptable. Even with clear expectations, you may encounter some unexpected situations or challenges that require your attention or intervention. For example, you may have to deal with a crisis, a change in the market, a new opportunity, or feedback from a stakeholder. Be prepared to adjust your plans and priorities as needed and communicate any changes to your team. Don't let your strategy become rigid or irrelevant because of unforeseen circumstances.
- Continue to hold regular strategic progress reviews, even when some members of the leadership team are off on vacation. One of the best ways to keep your strategy execution on track is to monitor and measure your progress regularly. Don't skip or postpone your strategic progress reviews just because some of your leaders are on vacation. Instead, find a way to include them in the review process, either by scheduling it at a convenient time for them, or by using technology to connect them remotely. Alternatively, you can delegate their roles and responsibilities to someone else on the team who can represent them and provide their input. The important thing is to keep the momentum and accountability going, and to identify and address any issues or gaps in your strategy execution.
- Utilize strategy software that makes preparation for regular progress reviews simple. One of the challenges of holding regular strategic progress reviews is the amount of time and effort it takes to prepare for them. You have to collect and analyze data, create reports and presentations, and share them with your team. This can be even more difficult when some of your team members are on vacation and not available to provide their updates or feedback. That's why you need a strategy software like Inspire that makes preparation for regular progress reviews simple and easy. A strategy software should allow you to track and visualize your progress, create and share strategy narratives, reports and dashboards, and collaborate and communicate with your team in real time. You want a strategy software that saves you time and hassle, and helps you focus on the most important aspects of your strategy execution.
- Review wins and provide recognition for small wins and initiatives. One of the best ways to motivate and engage your team is to celebrate your wins and recognize your achievements. Especially during the summer, when your team may be feeling less energetic or enthusiastic, you need to boost their morale and confidence by acknowledging their efforts and contributions. Review your wins and provide recognition for small wins and initiatives that move your strategy forward. Share your success stories and best practices with your team and stakeholders. Show your appreciation and gratitude for your team's hard work and dedication. Make them feel valued and respected and inspire them to keep up the good work.
Take Advantage of the Productivity Boosts from Rest and Renewal and Watch Your Strategic Goal Execution Soar!
Summer vacations are not only good for your employees' well-being, but also for your business performance. By following these tips, you can help your team take advantage of the productivity boosts from rest and renewal and watch your strategic goal execution soar. Don't let the dog days of summer slow you down or derail your strategy. Instead, use them as an opportunity to recharge and refocus, and to achieve your strategic goals faster and better.
