Article 16 • 18 Feb

When execution struggles, the default diagnosis is usually the same.

Teams aren’t focused enough. Delivery discipline is weak. People aren’t accountable.

In reality, most execution problems stem from something simpler — and more uncomfortable.

Decision clarity is missing

Execution rarely fails because people don’t work hard.

It fails when:

• Decision ownership is unclear
• Priorities conflict
• Trade-offs are avoided rather than addressed

When decisions aren’t clear, teams hesitate. When teams hesitate, momentum dies.

Clarity creates momentum

Clear decisions don’t eliminate risk. They make risk manageable.

When leaders are explicit about:

• What matters most
• Who owns which decision
• What trade-offs are acceptable

Teams move faster — even under pressure.

Execution is a leadership outcome

Strong execution is not a process artefact.

It’s a leadership outcome.

When leaders provide clarity, teams execute. When leaders avoid decisions, teams stall.

Reflection

Where in your organisation is execution slowing down — not because of effort, but because decisions remain unresolved?