Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Strategy-Execution Gap?
The gap between strategy and execution—first identified in early research by Kaplan & Norton and later popularized by Bossidy and Charan—remains one of the most persistent challenges in business. The Gap occurs when organizations define a strategy, but fail to translate it into aligned priorities, behaviors and operational decisions across the organization.
How does First Line Strategy approach the Gap differently?
Empathy. Our Executive Facilitators have had long business careers. We have felt and witnessed the frustration that comes from both sides of the Gap -- from leaders who don't understand why the ship isn't moving and from employees who don't understand where they're supposed to go. We help your organization man the tiller, and head in the right direction.
What does a strategic facilitator do?
A strategic facilitator guides executive teams by:
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Curating structured strategy discussions that spark critical dialogue.
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Helping leaders navigate trade offs and difficult conversations.
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Challenging entrenched beliefs & mental models, and ensuring all voices are heard.
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Helping leaders clarify goals, align priorities, make decisions, and translate strategy into executable plans.
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Ensuring all objectives are met in the time alotted vs. "tabled" for the next meeting.
How are First Line Strategy's facilitators different?
Our facilitators have all worked at the highest levels of complex, multinational, multi-departmental and/or high-growth companies. We do more than run a good meeting. We understand your company and the resources you have to make your vision real -- because we've deployed those very same resources.
What is a strategic executive retreat?
A strategic executive retreat is a facilitated leadership session where senior executives step away from daily operations to clarify strategy, align priorities, and make critical decisions about the organization's future direction. While team building does take place, it is not the focus. Instead, the focus is on thoughtful preparation for the future.
How are First Line Strategy's retreats different?
Each strategic retreat is uniquely crafted to your objectives and team members.
When do companies run strategy sessions?
Organizations typically run strategy sessios during:
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Annual business planning
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Long-range planning cycles
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Mergers or acquisitions
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Leadership transitions
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Transformation initiatives
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Post-merger or post-reorganization if the team is struggling
How are First Line Strategy's sessions different?
Preparation. Our process always starts with a deep dive into your business and its opportunities, key stakeholders and roadblocks. All of our Executive Facilitators have either led global businesses or trained as market researchers. They quickly generate insights, enabling them to understand "the problem behind the problem." This results in sessions that conquer real problems vs. cover an agenda item.