How work supports strategic priorities

In today’s discussion, I will explore the concept of work and its connection to Enterprise Strategy and Planning (ESP) and outline practical steps to ensure alignment. In the initial post of this series, I outlined Atlassian’s perspective on ESP and its six fundamental components. Aligning daily work with strategic priorities is essential for achieving long-term organizational goals. Every employee plays a vital role in ensuring the company moves cohesively in the right direction.

Key Beliefs

Agile, SAFe, Waterfall, Six Sigma, PRINCE2—each has funded a whole industry of paid certifications and transformations. But many tend to forget or ignore that these frameworks and models can be combined or adapted to fit the specific needs of an organization or project. They are just a few of the well-known frameworks and models that organizations use to structure their ways of working, improve efficiency, and enhance collaboration.

And in today’s fast-paced and competitive business environment, aligning daily work activities with strategic priorities, regardless of framework or model, is crucial for organizations aiming to achieve their long-term goals. Employees at every level play a vital role in supporting these priorities, ensuring that the organization moves cohesively in the desired direction.

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Align daily efforts to long-term goals, to support strategic priorities

1. Clarity and Focus
   The first step in aligning work with strategic priorities is ensuring clarity and focus. Organizations must clearly communicate their strategic goals so that every employee understands the bigger picture. This involves breaking down high-level objectives into actionable tasks and projects. When employees understand how their work contributes to broader goals, they can prioritize tasks that have the most significant impact, fostering a sense of purpose and direction.
   
2. Empowering Employees
   Empowerment is key to enabling employees to effectively support strategic priorities. By providing the necessary resources, training, and authority, organizations empower their workforce to make decisions that align with strategic goals. When employees feel trusted and capable, they are more likely to take initiative and innovate, driving the organization forward.
   
3. Enhancing Collaboration
   Strategic priorities often require cross-functional collaboration. By fostering a collaborative culture, organizations can break down silos and ensure that knowledge and expertise are shared across departments. This collaboration leads to more comprehensive solutions and a unified approach to achieving strategic objectives. Tools and technologies that facilitate communication and teamwork can significantly enhance this collaborative effort.
   
4. Measuring and Tracking Progress
   To ensure that work supports strategic priorities, organizations must establish metrics and KPIs that align with their goals. Regularly measuring and tracking progress allows organizations to assess whether they are on the right path and make necessary adjustments. This continuous feedback loop helps maintain momentum toward strategic objectives and ensures that efforts are effectively contributing to success.
   
5. Encouraging Innovation and Adaptability
   The business landscape is constantly evolving, and strategic priorities may shift in response to new opportunities or challenges. Encouraging a culture of innovation and adaptability ensures that employees are open to change and ready to embrace new strategies. By staying agile, organizations can pivot quickly and align their work with updated priorities, maintaining relevance and competitiveness.
   
6. Recognizing and Rewarding Contributions
   Recognizing and rewarding employees who contribute to strategic priorities is vital for sustaining motivation and engagement. When employees see that their efforts are valued and contribute to organizational success, they are more likely to remain committed and aligned with strategic goals. Recognition can take many forms, from formal awards to simple acknowledgments of a job well done.

What’s next for you

Define and Communicate Strategic Priorities

• Identify Strategic Goals: Clearly define the organization’s strategic priorities. These should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
• Communicate Clearly: Ensure that all employees understand these priorities. Use various communication channels, such as meetings, emails, and internal portals, to keep everyone informed and engaged.

2. Break Down Strategic Priorities into Something Actionable

• Translate Goals into Departmental Objectives: Break down high-level strategic goals into specific objectives for each department or team.
• Create Action Plans: Develop detailed action plans that outline the tasks and initiatives required to achieve these objectives. Assign responsibilities and set deadlines.

3. Align Individual Goals with Strategic Priorities

• Set Individual Objectives: During performance reviews or goal-setting sessions, ensure that individual employee goals align with departmental and organizational priorities.
• Regular Check-ins: Hold regular meetings to review progress on these objectives and ensure alignment with strategic goals.

4. Empower and Equip Employees

• Provide Resources and Training: Ensure employees have the tools, resources, and training needed to accomplish their tasks effectively.
• Encourage Decision-Making: Empower employees to make decisions that align with strategic priorities, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability.

5. Foster a Collaborative Culture

• Promote Cross-Functional Collaboration: Encourage collaboration across departments to ensure a unified approach to achieving strategic goals.
• Utilize Technology: Implement tools and platforms that facilitate communication and collaboration, helping teams work together efficiently.

6. Measure and Track Progress

• Establish KPIs and Metrics: Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics that reflect progress toward strategic priorities.
• Regular Monitoring: Use dashboards and reports to monitor progress regularly. Adjust plans and strategies based on performance data.

7. Adapt and Innovate

• Stay Agile: Be open to change and ready to adapt strategies as needed. The business environment is dynamic, and strategic priorities may evolve.
• Encourage Innovation: Foster a culture where employees feel encouraged to propose new ideas and solutions that align with strategic goals.

8. Recognize and Reward Contributions

• Acknowledge Successes: Recognize and celebrate achievements that contribute to strategic priorities. This can boost morale and motivate continued alignment.
• Provide Feedback: Offer constructive feedback to help employees understand how their efforts contribute to strategic goals and where improvements can be made.

Key Metrics to Measure Work

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Lagging Indicators

• Lead Time: The time from when a change was requested to when it was deployed in production or put into the hands of a customer.
• Cycle Time: The time for a task to go from start to completion. Shorter cycle times often indicate more efficient processes.
• Delivery Rate: The number of units of work completed in a period of time.

Leading indicators

• Work in Progress (WIP): The amount of work currently being processed. Managing WIP can help maintain focus and reduce bottlenecks.
• Dependencies: The number of dependencies relative to in-progress commitments.
• Orphaned Work: The percentage of work in the backlog that is not associated with higher-level commitments or goals.
• Delays: The number of days that committed work has been blocked, flagged, or is in progress beyond its target completion date.

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Aligning work with strategic priorities is not just about setting goals; it’s about creating an environment where every employee understands their role in achieving those goals. By fostering clarity, empowerment, collaboration, and adaptability, organizations can ensure that their daily efforts contribute meaningfully to their long-term vision. As businesses continue to navigate complex and changing environments, aligning work with strategic priorities will remain a cornerstone of sustainable success.

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