Risk is an inherent part in taking any action, if every potential outcome had a high probability of success, then taking action would be trivial and unremarkable.
It's this proverbial clash between ideals and reality, I wouldn't bet on high ideals if the execution process or upholding those ideals in practical reality will be quite unfeasible.
Sometimes, having the right ground for the right ideals is crucial for their successful implementation.
Execution risk is a multifaceted concept that can be approached from two distinct angles: the risk aspect and the execution aspect. Each perspective offers valuable insights into the challenges we face when turning ideas into reality.
When we consider the risk aspect, we're confronted with the uncertainties inherent in any action.
For example, environmental factors, resource limitations, or unforeseen obstacles that emerge during the implementation process.
Turning our attention to the execution aspect, we find that success hinges on strategic planning and effective implementation.
What I sometimes find bewildering is that the journey from concept to reality is often long and complex, as if being long isn't enough already.
Because of the complexity, a well-thought-out approach that breaks down large goals into manageable tasks is just the baseline. A granular approach that makes the overall objective seem less daunting but also allows for more precise tracking of progress is also needed.
For the latter, establishing clear metrics is essential in this process. Without concrete ways to measure progress, it becomes all too easy to lose sight of our objectives or to convince ourselves that we're making progress when we're actually treading water.
What are the reasons why execution can fail?
I think there are two primary culprits: wrong effort and insufficient effort.
A nuanced approach that goes beyond simple directives to work harder or smarter may be required to address such issues.
I view wrong effort as a misalignment between our goals and our actions, between concept and reality. This misalignment isn't always obvious, and it depends on the duration and awareness of it.
Say there's macro and micro level. Misalignment from the micro level is always possible, perhaps, also necessary when we're adapting to changing reality.
The real problem is when the misalignment extends into the macro level. By then, going back to the drawing board is required.
Insufficient effort, on the other hand, stems from a lack of motivation or inadequate resources. This is all too familiar to me. Finding myself in situations where the initial enthusiasm for a project wanes, or I'm faced with unexpected resource constraints.
Can execution risk be eliminated entirely?
I don't think so. Such an aim would be both impossible and counterproductive. For me what I strive to do is decrease its intensity and learn to navigate it more effectively, especially in terms of awareness and cultivating multiple perspectives.
Granted, the lack of motivation seems harder to solve and it's an ongoing process.
But I believe looking beyond it (motivation) and viewing it as the weather works quite well, both in theory and practice.
Just as we don't expect every day to be sunny, we shouldn't expect to feel consistently motivated(or inspired) throughout a project.
Some days will be easier than others, and recognizing this natural ebb and flow can be a great way to push through the tougher times.
Thanks for reading!! Share your thoughts below on the comments.