An experienced Fractional CSO will:

• Prioritize strategy as the first agenda item in every leadership meeting
• Link personal performance assessments to the strategy, with compensation and bonuses tied to the successful execution of strategic tasks

An experienced Fractional CSO will:

• Set firm deadlines for all strategic tasks to prevent them from being deprioritized as non-urgent
• Require regular reporting on strategic progress from all managers, ideally on a weekly or monthly basis

An experienced Fractional CSO will:

• Implement a system for managing strategic tasks that visually illustrates the path towards core strategic objectives, ensuring everyone can see their contribution and keeping the strategy visible
• Publicly celebrate all achievements of strategic tasks, whether through internal communication or company-wide meetings

An experienced Fractional CSO will:

• Make communication the key and will keep communicating the strategy, even if you think you've done it enough.
• Ensure easy access to the strategy, so people can quickly refer to it without searching for the latest version.
• Structure your strategy with a clear and uncomplicated framework, avoiding excessive detail in the early stages.
• Make it visually appealing and use language that brings it to life, avoiding jargon and incorporating emotive language, colors, and graphics.

When you lack direct control over those responsible for executing the strategy, it becomes crucial to be a prominent influencer within your organization.

An experienced Fractional CSO will:

• Recognize the potential tensions that may arise from dictating actions or demanding reports from individuals outside of your management purview: Such approaches are unlikely to be well-received by the individuals themselves or their superiors.
• Instead, focus on building relationships: Be the leader who knows everyone's name, engaging with them in the hallways, striking up conversations at the coffee machine, and going the extra mile to understand the people who hold the keys to the strategy's success.
• Approach your dealings with sensitivity and emotional intelligence: Lead strategic execution through consent won by gentle influence, rather than by making demands of those you don't manage. Let your influence be compelling and captivating.

An experienced Fractional CSO will:

• Engage stakeholders from the beginning, fostering a sense of involvement and collaboration while nurturing a shared sense of ownership. Encourage their input and participation throughout the entire process.
• Clearly communicate the strategy, employing a concise and structured approach that eliminates any barriers hindering comprehension of the plan.
• Always provide the context behind the strategy, ensuring that people understand why it was chosen and what it aims to achieve.
• Help individuals grasp their role within the plan, emphasizing their contributions and the value they bring.
• Continuously update everyone on the progress made, allowing them to witness the positive outcomes and celebrating victories along the way.