How to NOT Execute Your Strategy (S1E1): Elaine Gravatte

by | Jan 22, 2024 | Leadership, Podcast Leader Guide, Strategic Execution

Lessons learned from a failed business launch…

Elaine Gravatte is the President of the Sense Colour business globally for Givaudan. In this episode, we dive into a failed business launch and how to make sure that your execution harnesses change management.

Three key concepts:

  1. Beware the trap of ignoring your dependencies. Successful execution is the result of many more components than just an inspired plan.
  2. As decisions are being made, genuine knowledge and empathy for others is essential to execution. Most execution involves change management and everyone needs to anticipate the impacts of change on the people doing the execution – or they will disengage.
  3. Empathy can be systematized, from onboarding to annual strategic planning. Make sure every leader – at every level – is anchored to an empathy for what you are asking people to do.

BONUS – Leader guide: Use the following questions for (a) self-reflection as a leader and/or (b) a great discussion with your team.

1) Listen to the full episode before this discussion.
2) Empathy was mentioned as a major component for great execution. What are some of the ways that empathy appears here in our organization?
3) What is the difference between empathy and cooperation?
4) What are the signs that empathy is happening? What are the signs that empathy is not happening?
5) How well are we doing to generate empathy throughout the larger organization? How well are you doing to generate empathy? What impact is that having on our execution?
6) Elaine talked about how empathy can be systematized (e.g. via onboarding, leadership meetings, etc.). Where should we be putting our efforts right now?
7) Option: Take time right now to define exactly what that looks like (the outcome(s), metrics, and requirements).

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with at least one person. And leave me a review on whatever platform you engaged this podcast. Your feedback is invaluable to me.

Holomua. Onward and upward.

All the best ~ Tim

PS Like what you’re reading? Please share this content with a friend so they can join the community.