Let’s be real. Leadership in Global Business Services (GBS) isn’t just about charts, graphs, and KPIs.
It’s about the people behind those metrics.
It’s how we juggle strategy with execution without losing sight of what really matters.
You know that feeling when you have a brilliant strategy, but somewhere between the planning meeting
and execution, things just fall apart?
Yeah, I’ve been there too. It’s not just frustrating; it can feel defeating. Yet, if you’re in the
shared services industry, you know the balancing act is vital.
The Foundation: Understanding the Landscape
First things first, let’s talk about what GBS really is.
It’s not just a department. It’s a framework for delivering efficient services by combining resources,
cross-functional collaboration, and strategic alignment.
As leaders, we’re tasked with aligning our teams with the overall strategy while ensuring day-to-day
operations run without a hitch.
Balancing these isn’t just essential; it’s a constant dance of priorities.
Here are the foundations we need to set:
- Clear Vision: Ensure everyone knows where the ship is sailing.
- Empowerment: Give your teams the authority to make decisions.
- Continuous Feedback: Make sure there’s a loop for improvement.
- Open Communication: Keep the lines open and honest.
Finding That Sweet Spot
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
When we talk about strategy and execution,
we need to find that sweet spot where they overlap.
Here are some tips to consider:
- Regular Check-ins: Don’t wait for quarterly reviews. Make this a weekly task.
- Align Goals: Ensure team goals align with bigger objectives.
- Adjust and Adapt: Be ready to pivot your strategy if necessary.
Real-World Challenges
Let’s not kid ourselves. It’s not always smooth sailing.
Imagine you have a stellar team who’s on fire with ideas, but they’re working on different paths.
Strategy soon goes out the window.
I once managed a team that had brilliant insights on process optimization,
but they lacked alignment with the overall objectives.
So, we held a casual “vision alignment” session over coffee.
We connected the dots, and I can tell you, the collaboration that followed was electrifying.
Sometimes, it’s about creating those real moments of connection to hit home that our daily grind
is connected to a larger mission.
Strategy in Real-Time: Not Just a Once-a-Year Thing
Here’s where a lot of teams miss the mark:
strategy shouldn’t be a dusty document sitting on a shelf.
It should be living and breathing every day.
Consider implementing these methods to keep strategy in the spotlight:
- Visual Boards: Use Kanban boards or visual dashboards to track both strategy
and execution. - Team Ownership: Assign ownership of various strategic elements to members
of your team. - Celebrate Wins: Give kudos for sticking to the strategy while executing.
Building a Strong Team Culture
Strategy doesn’t live in a vacuum; it’s deeply impacted by team culture.
When your team feels valued and included,
they’re more likely to execute effectively.
Building a strong culture takes time but pay off big time.
Think about these cultural aspects:
- Openness: Encourage dialogue about mistakes or challenges.
- Diversity of Thought: Embrace varied perspectives for richer discussions.
- Flexibility: Adjust your work environment to fit the team’s needs.
Leveraging Technology
You can’t ignore technology.
It’s not just about fancy tools; it’s about leveraging technology
for effective collaboration and execution.
Invest in tools that support your GBS strategy:
- Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Asana are great for keeping
everyone on the same page. - Analytics Platforms: Use data to track performance and refine strategies.
- Automation: Don’t underestimate the power of workflow automation in freeing up time.
The Continuous Improvement Loop
Here’s a kicker:
Strategy without execution leads to a plan that’s just a wish.
Execution without strategy is chaos.
A cycle of continuous improvement is where the magic happens.
This isn’t just about hitting targets — it’s about learning and growing as a team.
Create a way to regularly assess both your strategic plans and team executions.
Final Thoughts
Balancing strategy and execution in GBS is an art.
It requires intentionality, awareness, and a focus on team connection.
Remember, as you lead your team through the complexity of GBS, always keep the human element in focus.
That’s where innovation thrives.
Storytelling, connecting, and understanding the journey are vital.
Trust that your team has got what it takes.
If you’d like to dive deeper into leadership strategies, check out The GBS Edge.
It’s packed with insights and real-talk from industry experts like me, Vikrant Aglawe.
Together, we can navigate the shared services transformation that’s shaping our world.
