I. Evidence-based interventions. Management fads come and go, but we limit our work to two practices—Strategy for Execution and Simple Rules—that are grounded in scientific evidence and have been tested, and proven effective, in the real world. Strategy for execution draws on three decades worth of rigorous research on how firms create and capture economic value over time. Simple rules to guide key activities and decisions have been shown to improve performance in a wide range of activities including resource allocation, new product development, and prioritizing customers.

II. Quantified execution. In every engagement, we work with clients to identify the most appropriate metrics to quantify the operational and financial impact of the changes, and then track progress on those measures over time. Measuring results focuses attention on the activities that matter most, signals when mid-course corrections are necessary, and provides the evidence needed to build and sustain commitment to the changes.

III. Simple beats complex. In many cases, a company’s strategy is too complex to communicate and implementation processes are too complicated to follow. We lead management teams through a structured process to develop a strategy that is simple enough to be easily communicated, remembered, and acted upon. We also help clients translate their strategy into simple rules that guide critical activities and decisions while leaving ample room for employees to exercise their creativity and initiative in execution.

IV. Strategy without commitment is irrelevant. Strategy only creates value when it is executed, and will only be implemented when key leaders are personally committed to the strategy’s success. We guide our clients through a process where the people responsible for execution contribute to the strategy, have a safe forum to raise and discuss obstacles and challenges, and personally help to craft and test the simple rules. As a result, the strategy becomes their own, and they commit to making it happen.