Tis the Season for Strategic deployment

January 22, 2024 | by CBS Team

The year has barely started and new challenges are already bringing a fresh wave of uncertainty. The truth is simple: it is critical to your success to finish strong and implement the strategic change that will position you for growth in the next 12 months.

So to help you in your efforts, here’s a quick rundown of critical strategic approaches that sometimes cause confusion.

At CBS we are often asked the difference between Strategy Deployment and Goal Deployment. While the two terms might sound similar–and are, in fact, connected to some degree–as distinct approaches they are quite different.  

Goal deployment, also known as goal setting, is the process of defining specific, measurable targets that an organization wants to achieve within a certain timeframe. These goals tend to align with the organization’s overall vision, mission, and values. 

Goal deployment focuses on determining what needs to be accomplished and provides a clear direction for the organization. It involves identifying key performance indicators and establishing specific metrics to assess progress towards goals. Goal deployment alone, however, may lack the necessary guidance and flexibility to effectively adapt to changing circumstances.

Strategy deployment, on the other hand–also called Hoshin Kanri, or “policy deployment”–is a holistic approach that aligns the organization’s missions and goals with its overall strategy. Strategy deployment differs from goal deployment primarily in its emphasis on not just defining goals, but also developing a comprehensive plan to achieve them. 

Strategy deployment involves a top-down approach, where senior leaders cascade the strategic objectives to lower levels of the organization. This process promotes active involvement and engagement throughout the ranks, encouraging employees to contribute to the strategy’s execution.

Unlike goal deployment, which can sometimes result in disjointed efforts and misalignment, strategy deployment ensures a cohesive and integrated approach throughout the organization. It involves developing action plans, allocating resources, and setting priorities to drive the organization towards its strategic goals. Strategy deployment also emphasizes continuous improvement and fosters a culture of learning and adaptability. It encourages regular reviews and adjustments to stay responsive to changing market conditions and emerging opportunities or challenges.

So, while goal deployment focuses primarily on setting and achieving specific targets, strategy deployment takes a more comprehensive approach by aligning goals with the organization’s strategic objectives and creating a supportive framework for execution. By themselves, each can be a valuable part of your overall strategy. But together, by integrating both strategy and goal deployment your organization can enhance its ability to navigate complex and dynamic environments while helping you hit your goals–now and throughout the rest of the year.