CLOSING THE EXECUTION GAP

Once upon a time strategy was king. Leaders immersed themselves in the matter of planning how best to achieve their company's goals. The subject dominated the attention of senior executives and the writings of consultants and management gurus. Experts of various stripes weighed in on how to put strategic planning processes in place and transform employees at all levels into strategic thinkers.

Naturally, leaders assumed all this strategizing would pay off. And yet, for too many organizations the promised results never came to pass.

Quite simply, they couldn't execute.

Now, the business world has shifted its focus to the consistent delivery of results. If an organization can't execute its plans and initiatives, nothing else matters: not the most solid, well thought-out strategy, not the most innovative business model, not even technological breakthroughs that could transform an industry.

As it turns out, the "conventional wisdom" about what it takes to implement strategy and deliver results isn't all that wise. So what really differentiates the companies that are able to get things done day-to-day and deliver consistent results? The answer is found in the pages of Richard Lepsinger's ground-breaking book, Closing the Execution Gap.

Based on extensive research and years of practical experience, the book outlines five prerequisites for effective execution and five "Bridges" that differentiate companies that do it best. It also describes six "Bridge Builders" leaders at all levels can use to close the execution gap in their company or team and help people get things done. Specifically, it addresses:

• What really gets in the way of getting things done for individuals, teams and entire companies
• What leaders can do to enhance their organization's ability to close the execution gap and achieve solid business results
• What it takes to consistently execute plans and initiatives at a day-to-day operational level

The book features many case studies of companies that have a track record of effective execution (Hewlett-Packard, Costco, Procter & Gamble) and those who have struggled with closing the gap between creating a vision and delivering results (Dell, American Airlines, GM).

As the business world becomes more competitive and less forgiving, execution matters more than ever. This is a book for the times we live in and one that for many companies could mean the difference between success and failure.

About the Author

THE AUTHOR

Richard Lepsinger is president of OnPoint Consulting and has a twenty-five year track record of success as an organizational consultant and executive. He is the coauthor of three books on leadership including Flexible Leadership: Creating Value by Balancing Multiple Challenges and Choices, The Art and Science of 360o Feedback, and The Art and Science of Competency Models, all published by Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer.

Find out more about OnPoint Consulting at www.onpointconsultingllc.com

Reviews
speaks to people at any level of the hierarchy, offering simple, practical tips for translating strategy into real performance. (Business Digest, September 2010).



Book Information
ISBN 9780470531303
Author Richard Lepsinger
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint Pfeiffer
Publisher John Wiley & Sons Inc
Weight(grams) 499g
Dimensions(mm) 236mm * 161mm * 20mm