Execution eats strategy for lunch

Peter Drucker is associated with the statement "culture eats strategy for breakfast", i.e. that the culture of a company enables its operational execution of the strategy or not. He is also known for the strategic management model “Management by Objectives”*. Both theories have had a major influence on me when considering the "Performance Circle".

A while ago, I philosophized about business, society, the world and other things with friends of mine. Following Peter Drucker, Christoph Hermann – co founder of waterdrop – said: "execution eats strategy for breakfast". I thought,  how right he is about that. I've rephrased it slightly here to "execution eats strategy for lunch" because, in my opinion, breakfast in daily nutrition - and culture in management - are the most important influencing factors.

We tend to reference theories from management books, journals, TED talks or podcasts. In doing so, we forget that everything is relative, meaning that it only works under certain conditions. And the best way to figure out what's right for my situation is through execution. This does not always have to (and may not) be a measure that is planned down to the last detail, such as an omni-channel campaign to launch a new product, on which the company's success depends to a large extent. 

Rather, it is a matter of repeatedly testing, learning, improving and then rolling out concepts (such as products, campaigns, etc.) quickly and frequently after the “create – validate – execute – evaluate – improve” process. It is important to act in order not to run the risk of having to re-act. Even if you brainstorm a brilliant strategy, it will be wasted if it's never fully realized in execution!

Looking forward to hear your opinion on that topic!