The 5XQ Execution Model – Execution Questions That Will Improve Your Chances of Achieving Your Objectives

I love to read about the U.S. Navy SEALs.

I could get lost in any book or article that talks about the SEAL training, the ethic of the highest standards of personal integrity and performance, dedication to teammates and loyalty to country. When I hear the word ‘EXECUTION’ in any context, the first word that comes to my head is the SEAL.

‘The execution of my duties will be swift and violent when required yet guided by the very principles that I serve to defend.’ – From the SEAL ethos.

For the large part of my career I have been responsible for execution of strategy. Not just the ‘talk’ part (strategic planning) but largely the ‘do’ part (execution). How do we ensure that every goal we set we achieve? How do I bring people to that pedestal such that we are not just ‘winging’ it but strategically executing in a military fashion approach. You do what you say! We all do what we say. I took this mentality out of the workplace and put it into my personal projects and life; one of the reasons I launched in 2017 the ‘Goal Book’ a productivity journal. We have gone ahead to produce and sell this yearly since then.  It basically move our goals out of our heads, and pushes it closer to being achieved.

It is not far fetched that when my name is mentioned in most of the places I have worked, what readily comes to mind is ‘BPMS’ – Business Performance Management System; a strategy execution process. I learnt this process when I was in Coca Cola, I had the privilege of learning how this ruthless execution process is done in Coca Cola Greece and Coca Cola Russia. In one of my Harvard Strategy Execution class last year, I listened to the CEO of BD (Becton Dickinson) Diagnostics as he talked about how this process has helped their business, now $18.809B  revenue as at March 2023.

It works, BPMS works.

It takes strategy off the beautiful PowerPoints and turns it into results, improving the performance culture of the business. A strategic plan is only as good as its ability to be executed and sustained. And before you say you do not need this process; be sure your revenue is higher than that of BD 😊. And I will be the first to come learn from you the process you adopt in executing your strategic priorities.

Execution has become a way of life for me. ‘The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions.’ – Ralph Waldo Emerson. I figured that everything holding us back is lack of execution or poor execution. Organisations struggle with execution, just as individuals do. Why do new year resolutions get tossed three months into the new year. I stopped writing new year resolutions, it’s fluff. I set goals.

I recently created a model for execution which I am excited to share – The 5XQ (The Execution Questions).

This is a model that makes execution of goals and objectives possible. Asking the right questions about our goals / objectives improves our chances of achieving them. You should try this. Tell me what you need to achieve, and I am applying my 5XQ on you😊. Why is it important to you? By when do want this? How do you intend to get this? Whose support do you need to make it happen? What resources or skills do you require?

If the questions are difficult to answer, maybe it is not a goal, but a wish list.

‘God Forbid’ is not a strategy. ‘Hope’ is not a strategy.

We all need SMART objectives. Once you define a SMART objective either as an individual or an organisation – apply the 5XQ model. Never leave those objectives hanging without asking and answering these questions;

• Why? – This creates a compelling reason for you, it serves as a motivating factor. It connects you to a purpose.
• When? – This compels you to set a time-bound goal. This in addition to your ‘Why?’ creates a sense of urgency.
• How? – Think through the ways you intend to achieve the objectives. What are the options available to explore?
• Whose support do you need to make it happen?
• What resources do you require to make it happen? Financial? Technological? Time? Information? Skills & expertise?

Please feel free to share your thoughts, I am eager to learn from you 🙏🏾

Adebola Idowu.

#QueenOfExecution

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