Mastering Strategy Execution: A Chief Strategy Officer's Approach

In this episode of "The Strategy Gap", hosts Jonathan Morgan and Joe Krause engage in a robust conversation with Marc Mertz, the Chief Strategy Officer at Kaweah Health. Marc, who has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, delves into the significant role of a Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). He explains that a CSO is pivotal in leading the development of the strategic plan, engaging various teams in the process, and overseeing the plan’s execution throughout the year. Marc highlights that his position allows him to focus on conceptual strategic thinking, such as developing new services and market positioning, as opposed to being absorbed by day-to-day operational responsibilities.

The discussion further explores the challenge of balancing immediate operational pressures with strategic foresight, especially in a high-stakes environment like healthcare. Marc shares his insights on encouraging executives and staff to allocate mental space for strategic thinking by conducting visioning sessions. He also talks about the importance of transforming complex strategic plans into simplified formats, such as a single-page document that includes the organization’s mission, vision, pillars, and measurable outcomes. This approach not only enhances understanding and visibility but also ensures the strategic plan remains a functional tool rather than a neglected document.

Moreover, the episode emphasizes the vital components of execution and accountability in strategic planning. Marc discusses the use of tools like AchieveIt to track progress, ensure timely updates, and maintain visibility across the organization. He also underscores the significance of regular updates and presentations to leadership teams and the board, which fosters continuous engagement and accountability. The conversation touches on the necessity of annual reviews to adjust plans as needed while celebrating milestones and successes to keep the momentum going. By engaging all levels of the organization and maintaining a structured review process, Marc firmly believes that strategic plans can transition from static documents to dynamic guides that drive meaningful progress.

In this episode:

• 0:00 The Role of the Chief Strategy Officer in Healthcare
• 4:19 Strategic Thinking for Executives During Crisis
• 8:34 Community-Informed Strategic Planning for Organizational Success
• 10:17 Including Stakeholders in Plan Execution: Focusing on Benefits
• 15:44 Scorekeeping and Visibility in Strategic Planning
• 17:41 Managing Control and Pressure in Professional Settings
• 20:43 The Power of Consistency in Achieving Change
• 25:41 The Importance of Adhering to One-Year Plans
• 27:35 Navigating the First Year: Patience and Focus