From Strategic Planning to Strategy Impact

Without developing a culture that simultaneously embraces change and effects execution, health care organizations risk having their visions stunted while their strategic plans collect dust on a shelf. While strategic planning focuses on establishing vision and goals, strategy execution involves making decisions and taking action to achieve the vision and strategic goals. To most leaders, execution is the hardest part. The authors have found many tools and guides to assist health care leaders in creating strategic visions and plans. However, the goals for this article are to: (1) illustrate how the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is successfully executing a robust and ambitious strategic plan; (2) outline lessons learned and adaptations made while maintaining agility; and (3) provide guidance and practical advice to health care leaders on strategy execution and monitoring, including efforts to anticipate obstacles and respond to challenges.