How to Balance Innovation and Execution

65% of your team is focused on running things as they are. 35% are focused on changing things for the better. This isn't a problem to solve. It's a reality to manage. The operational majority: • Keeps the lights on while you're building the future • Provides stability during uncertain changes • Knows the current system better than anyone • Can become your biggest transformation obstacle OR your greatest asset The transformation minority: • Drives innovation and change • Questions how things are done • Adapts quickly to new processes • Can burn out from constantly pushing against operational inertia The founder's balancing act: • Too much focus on operations: Your company stagnates • Too much focus on transformation: Your operations break The sweet spot: Strategic transformation that operational teams can actually implement Most transformation failures happen because: • You design change for the 35% who love change. • Then get frustrated when the 65% who value stability resist it. The solution: • Build transformation plans that honor operational stability. • Make change feel safe for the people who keep your business running. For frameworks on balancing operational excellence with strategic transformation, get my newsletter• https://lnkd.in/gazdRuQQ

As a project manager, you're constantly pulled in 2 directions → Keeping an eye on the big picture → Making sure daily tasks get done You're always walking the tightrope between strategy and execution. And let's be honest, it's not always easy. If we focus too much on the vision, we risk losing track of the details that make it happen. Focus too much on the details, and we may miss opportunities to pivot/adapt. So how do you find the balance? ✅ Create milestones that align with the vision Break down long-term goals into actionable steps. This way, every day tasks push the project closer to the bigger picture. ✅ Schedule time for strategic thinking Don't get stuck in the weeks. Set aside consistent timing to step back and review project trajectory to ensure alignment with goals. ✅ Trust your team with the details Delegate effectively so you can focus on guiding the project. Let your team handle execution. Your role is to steer the ship, not row it. Short-term task management + Long-term vision level-setting = Successful project management 🤙

💡 Why your organization needs both AI moonshots and mundane wins Enterprises are forecasted to invest a staggering $307 billion in AI this year—yet 42% of those projects will be scrapped before they deliver any value. The reason? A lack of balance between visionary breakthroughs and practical utility. Here’s the playbook: - Build an “innovation portfolio”: Mix audacious, long-term bets (moonshots) with quick, low-risk wins. The latter fuel your momentum and finance the big ideas. - CEOs as Chief AI Orchestrators: It’s no longer just about the CTO. Leaders must: • Set a clear AI vision aligned with purpose • Allocate resources boldly (and decline when needed) • Cultivate a culture that embraces learning—and occasional - Master the macro–micro balance: Ask big-picture questions (e.g. how AI transforms your industry) and pursue concrete steps you can deliver this quarter—like automating customer support. - Embrace continuous adaptation: Quarterly portfolio recalibrations, feedback loops from pilots, and a growth mindset keep you agile. Example: a financial firm might run a moonshot to predict markets, a medium-risk compliance automation project, and a chatbot for customer support—each serving different strategic roles . 🔗 More in our latest Fast Company article: https://lnkd.in/ekffy6A7 #AI #Innovation #Strategy #Leadership #DigitalTransformation #CEOs #PfM