Why 70% of Strategies Fail and What to Do About It
Strategic planning is a cornerstone of every organization’s success. Yet, for decades, 70% of strategies have failed to deliver. Why? In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, host Carl J. Cox talks to Norman Wolfe, founder of Quantum Leaders and author of The Living Organization, to uncover the answer.
Rethinking Strategy: Organizations Are Living Systems
Norman Wolfe explains that most strategies fail because we treat organizations like machines—focusing on optimizing activity while ignoring the human elements that drive real success. Instead, Norman introduces a new framework: organizations as living systems, much like people.
The Three Fields of Energy
Every organization operates within three energy fields:
- Activity: The work being done, like processes and systems.
- Relationships: The quality of interactions and team dynamics.
- Context: The hidden beliefs and values shaping behavior.
The third field—context—is often the hardest to address because it operates unconsciously. Leaders must uncover and reshape the stories and beliefs holding their organizations back.
The Long-Term vs. Short-Term Balance
A key challenge for leaders is balancing short-term results with long-term vision. Norman shares actionable advice on how to define the behaviors you need to change today to align with your future goals.
Why This Matters for Leaders
If you’re an executive, entrepreneur, or manager struggling to execute strategy, this episode will give you the tools to:
- Align purpose with action.
- Address cultural challenges that hinder success.
- Focus on the human elements of organizational transformation.
Listen Now
Don’t let your strategies fail. Learn how to lead with clarity and purpose from one of the top experts in organizational transformation.
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