Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done

As the title suggests, the book focuses on execution. Bossidy states that there
are oodles of books on strategy, but there are precious few on Execution –
thus his reason for writing the book, along with the advisor to CEOs, Ram
Charan. After all, the best strategy in the world isn’t worth a dime unless it is
actually put in place.

The format of the book is simple and direct. First Bossidy defines execution.
One definition he uses is great – the systematic way of exposing reality and
acting on it. So many organizations come up with grand strategies that are
based on unrealistic assumptions and/or they completely gloss over how the
strategies are to be accomplished.

The book then discusses the three building blocks of execution to include
seven essential leadership behaviors, creating a framework for changing
the culture of an organization, and having the right people in the right place.

The authors go on to describe the 3 essential processes required for
execution: People, Strategy, and Operations. They describe how to set up
each process in detail.

Most of the concepts are not new. However, organizing them the way that
Bossidy and Charan do is unique. Several themes are echoed throughout the
book to include...

• The need for robust dialogue, not only to get to the truth, but to be used
  as a teaching/learning tool.
  
• The intimate involvement of the executive in all facets of execution, to
  include follow up.
  
• The importance of linking the people, strategy, and operations
  processes together.
  

One of the flaws of the book, which is similar with many others that seek real
world examples, is that no sooner does the book go to print than one of the
exalted companies tanks.

With that said, there is a lot to be learned from this one. Bossidy is a pupil of
Jack Welch, and that no-nonsense style is apparent. Many of the themes are
the same, but some are indeed different or enhanced.

If your company is struggling, this book can help point you in the right
direction. There is no miracle cure. You will need to take the medicine, but you
will be better off for doing so.