Being smart is not enough - Learn to execute
- Chris Davies
- Jan 31, 2024
- 3 min read

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: We have the answers to most of our problems. What we lack is the capacity to execute. As leaders, we hold the key to unlocking our own and our organisation's full potential based on our ability to develop two skills:
Delegate
Build leaders
Simultaneously. One doesn't hold greater value than the other, and you can't do one without the other.
The Entrepreneurial Journey
The Entrepreneurial Journey is a growth process we navigate as we scale our organisations. One critical realisation we hope to reach early in the journey is that we know what we don't know. We become self-aware enough to see what we are great at (our unique ability in Strategic Coach terminology) and what we should leverage other resources to achieve.
Accepting that we don't know everything (which can take longer for some of us) allows us to hunt down knowledge and growth to overcome the hurdles in front of us. Why reinvent the wheel when the wisdom of mentors and peers is available? The journey to finding solutions begins with an open mind and open ears, not just working harder.
As we build our knowledge and experience, we gain perspective and can paint a picture of what "good" looks like. Terms like "metrics" and "Scorecard" creep into our language, and refining processes is something we can then measure quantifiably. We can now measure our success!
Work ON, not IN.
Our shift from working "In" the business to "On" the business has begun. Yet, like all epic quests, the journey continues. Our actual evolution lies in continually creating leaders within our organisation to multiply our capacity.
Imagine a scenario where leadership development is an ongoing process, an integral part of the organisational culture. Picture a workplace where every team member can see the vision and know what success in their roles and accountabilities looks like. Everyone is empowered to lead and contribute to the company's success.
Delegate to build capacity
The realisation that we must consistently create capacity for ourselves is a game-changer. It's not enough to rest on the laurels of past accomplishments; if we aren't growing, we are dying. This is where the tools and disciplines taught through the EOS Process come into play, giving us a solid platform to build on at all levels of our organisation.
EOS, or the Entrepreneurial Operating System from EOS Worldwide , provides a structured framework to create an aligned and disciplined leadership team. It offers practical tools and methodologies that empower organisations to navigate challenges, enhance operational efficiency, and foster a culture of continual improvement.
One Operating System
For many entrepreneurs, including myself, the EOS process was the missing link. By wholly embracing a single Operating System, I could create a leadership team that operated in unison, aligned with the organisation's vision, and executed strategies precisely. This alignment and engagement were pivotal, ultimately leading to a successful exit for my business but, more importantly, just making it a great place to turn up every day and enjoy working with people who were on the same page.
The lesson here is clear – while knowledge is indispensable, the ability to execute is paramount. Creating leaders and consistently expanding our capacity is not merely wishful thinking but actionable steps towards long-term success. Embracing the EOS process is an investment in building a resilient, dynamic organisation that thrives through every phase of the entrepreneurial journey. As you venture forward, remember that the answers to most of your problems are within reach – it's the power of execution that will transform challenges into stepping stones toward even more extraordinary achievements.





Comments