Ep. 507 - Think Ahead Act Now: Winning the Game with Dual Focus

Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief with Cameron Herold

In today's episode of the Second in Command podcast, Cameron discusses a common misstep in leadership: blending strategy and planning into one concept.

While many leaders mistakenly see them as interchangeable, Cameron makes a compelling case for treating them as separate disciplines—each vital in its own right. Strategy is about creative thinking, exploring future possibilities, and setting direction, while planning deals with the tangible steps needed to execute that vision within a tightly focused 12-month window.

The conversation emphasizes that while a vivid vision helps align a team around long-term aspirations, the execution must happen in short, realistic sprints. Leaders are encouraged to develop strategic goals with a two- to three-year lens, but to avoid placing rigid plans beyond one year due to the unpredictable nature of business environments. The discussion lays out a blueprint for how to reverse-engineer big-picture objectives into actionable, time-bound tasks, down to the staffing needs and recruiting timelines.

Curious how to stop wasting time on plans that never land? This episode breaks down the right way to balance long-term vision with short-term execution—listen now and transform your planning mindset.

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Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Why strategy involves long-term thinking and a SWOT analysis, while planning is about making those strategies actionable within a 12-month period. (1:27)

• The importance of aligning everyone with the company's vision, emphasizing the need for a vivid vision and a focused annual plan. (3:03)

• Why planning for the entire 12-month period, ensuring all core roles are filled and recruiting processes are well-timed, is vital. (4:03)

• The process of briefing the management team and frontline staff in November or early December, ensuring everyone knows the plan for the year. (5:15)

• The value of aligning the right people, having meeting rhythms, and ensuring the team has the necessary leadership skills. (7:00)

• And much more...

Resources:

• Connect with Cameron: Website | LinkedIn
• Explore the COO Alliance - The World’s Leading Community for Seconds in Command
• Get Cameron’s book: Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO Book
• Take his course: Invest In Your Leaders Online Course (Use promo code PODCAST10 before the end of the month for 10% off)
• Video call with Cameron: Delphi

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