The GM as conductor in strategy development and execution

Effective strategy execution in an organization is akin to a well-performed symphony, where the General Manager (GM) plays a crucial role in aligning and guiding the team, similar to how a conductor leads an orchestra. However, the key to a successful strategy lies not just in its creation but in ensuring the team's active involvement and buy-in.

In my experience as a GM, involving the team during the strategy development phase has been vital. This approach is less about dictating a top-down strategy and more about collaboratively crafting a plan that the entire team can execute and believe in. While the GM sets the vision, direction and overarching goals, much like a conductor chooses the theme, music piece and tempo, the detailed strategy comes to life through the contributions of each team member.

Engaging different team members, especially those in crucial roles like engineers, sales leaders and marketers, brings diverse perspectives and expertise to the strategy. This collaboration not only enhances the quality of the strategy but also fosters a sense of ownership among team members, crucial for its effective execution.

In this process, the GM’s role is to facilitate communication and ensure alignment, ensuring that each team member's input is integrated into the final strategy. This way, the strategy becomes a collective effort, reflecting the strengths and insights of the entire team. Taking this approach was a key success factor in driving the most effective and efficient teams as a GM at Weedmaps, and is how I intend to lead teams elsewhere.

Successful strategy execution requires more than just a well-thought-out plan; it needs the involvement and commitment of the whole team. As a GM, fostering this collaborative environment has been a key driver of my success, ensuring that strategies are not only well-crafted but also effectively executed by a dedicated and invested team.