Turning Strategy into Results: 10 Key Steps to Make It Happen

Every organization builds strategies, but not all see those strategies deliver the impact they expect. The challenge lies in bridging the gap between planning and execution. Turning Strategy Into Results is about making that bridge strong—transforming ideas into measurable outcomes that fuel growth, performance, and long-term success.

Jim Gitney’s Strategy Realized: The Business Hierarchy of Needs® offers a proven framework to achieve this. Below are 10 key steps to move from vision to tangible results.

1. Define Your Most Important Goal (MIG) Clearly

The journey begins with focus. Leaders must establish a single Most Important Goal (MIG) that guides the entire organization. This ensures strategies, tactics, and resources align toward one measurable outcome instead of scattering efforts in too many directions.

2. Conduct a Gap Analysis

Once the goal is set, identify the distance between your current state and the desired future. A structured gap analysis highlights strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. This step ensures that strategies directly address the most critical performance gaps.

3. Apply the Business Hierarchy of Needs® Framework

Gitney’s model provides three essential levels for execution:

  • Level 1: Strategic clarity (MIG, “Where to Play,” “How to Win”)

  • Level 2: Organizational readiness (people, skills, culture, change management)

  • Level 3: Execution infrastructure (processes, continuous improvement, and systems)

This layered approach ensures no crucial element is overlooked.

4. Build Strong Foundations at Level 1

At Level 1, measurable objectives and communication structures are established. This foundation guarantees accountability, alignment, and clarity. Everyone understands what must be done, why it matters, and how success will be measured.

5. Elevate Organizational Capabilities via Level 2

Even the best strategy fails without the right people and culture. Equipping teams with knowledge, fostering collaboration, and rewarding desired behaviors ensures that employees are empowered to drive the plan forward.

6. Execute Consistently Through Level 3

Execution is where strategies become reality. At Level 3, organizations emphasize process excellence, continuous improvement, and systematic monitoring. Embedding best practices ensures that progress is sustainable and measurable.

7. Align Strategy and Execution Across All Contexts

From startups to global enterprises, every business struggles with execution challenges. The Business Hierarchy of Needs® offers flexibility, allowing leaders to tailor the depth of planning and execution to their organizational size and complexity.

8. Apply the Framework During Crucial Change Moments

Transitions such as mergers, digital transformations, or restructures create confusion and misalignment. A structured framework helps leaders keep stakeholders unified, ensuring that strategies continue to deliver results even in times of disruption.

9. Combat Anti-Strategy with Clear Communication

Resistance, miscommunication, and competing agendas often derail execution. By fostering transparency and alignment, organizations can eliminate “anti-strategy” behaviors that work against progress. Strong communication is a catalyst for successful outcomes.

10. Leverage Real-World Insights and Practical Tools

Gitney’s approach is based on decades of experience with Fortune 50 companies, startups, and consulting. By applying proven tools, case studies, and worksheets, leaders can accelerate implementation and create a repeatable process for success.

Why These Steps Work

  1. Clarity: A well-defined MIG focuses energy on what matters most.

  2. Alignment: Strategy, culture, and execution move in the same direction.

  3. Scalability: Applicable to both small businesses and global corporations.

  4. Resilience: Keeps teams aligned during periods of uncertainty.

  5. Proven Practices: Rooted in real-world success stories and tested methods.

Conclusion

Every business wants results, but few achieve them consistently. The difference lies in structured execution. By defining clear goals, applying the Business Hierarchy of Needs®, and aligning people, processes, and culture, leaders can master Turning Strategy Into Results in a sustainable way.

For deeper insights, practical tools, and case studies, explore Strategy Realized—a resource designed to help organizations make their strategies succeed.

Location: United States

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