Strategy-Execution Gap Diagnostic Framework

This framework helps identify the rupture points between what gets decided and what actually gets executed.

The 4 friction zones

Zone 1: Translation

Is strategy translated into concrete actions?

Symptoms of dysfunction:

• Teams don't know what's expected of them
• Objectives are vague or contradictory
• Each person interprets strategy their own way

Zone 2: Allocation

Do resources actually follow the stated priorities?

Symptoms of dysfunction:

• Priority projects lack the means
• Teams are over-solicited
• The day-to-day eats the strategic

Zone 3: Steering

Do indicators measure what matters?

Symptoms of dysfunction:

• KPIs are green but nothing moves
• You measure activity, not impact
• Dashboards reassure without informing

Zone 4: Adaptation

Does the organization know how to correct course?

Symptoms of dysfunction:

• Problems surface too late
• Corrective decisions aren't taken
• The original plan is defended despite the signals

How to use

1. For each zone, list the symptoms observed
2. Score severity (1–5)
3. Identify the priority zone
4. Work on one zone at a time

"The strategy-execution gap is not an accident. It's the result of structural frictions."