This question pops up many times: "Which one is more important – strategy, culture, or execution?"
According to strategists: "Of course, strategy is the most important. After all, everything is derived from strategy."
According to people from operations: Execution is certainly the most important. Because what is the use of a strategy without execution?"
According to HR people: Everything is about culture. Doesn't culture eat strategy for breakfast and execution for lunch?"
So, who is right? Which one is the most important?
I think it is an irrelevant question to ask.
Let me use the driving analogy to explain why.
Imagine you live in Paris (your starting point). And you want to go to Venice (your goal) for a vacation (your purpose).
You can go by boat, train, plane, bus, coach, helicopter, or even walking (your options).
But after considering everything - from the weather and traffic (the external conditions) and your car condition, budget, and driving experience (the internal conditions), you chose driving as the best way (your strategy).
Once you decide that, you start planning for the trip, e.g., the route to take, where to stop and rest, the toll vignette, the winter tires if in winter, etc (all the detailed plans/initiatives). In addition, you also consider what would happen if there are disturbances, e.g., a car breakdown (your risk planning and mitigation).
Then, on the D-day, you go drive (the execution). Of course, not everything goes to plan. There could be a road closure due to an accident, sudden hail storms, strikes, riots, etc (unpredictable events, including the black swan events).
But there could be additional opportunities, too. For example, when you stop to refuel, the locals tell you about a new scenic route where the rows of colorful tulips bloom or a picturesque alpine route (new opportunities).
Of course, how you drive also matters. If you drive dangerously (bad culture), you risk collisions. If you drive safely (positive culture), you are more likely to succeed (i.e., arrive safely at your intended destination).
Suppose you don't give up halfway (committed), change your goal (suddenly decide to go London instead), or face big pivotal events (e.g., sudden war in Italy) or make big mistakes (e.g., run out of money halfway), and continue driving smoothly (continuous execution). In that case, you will arrive at Venice (being successful).
Now, which one is most important? The decision to drive (the strategy), the driving (the execution), or the way you drive (the culture)?
As you can see, we quickly find this question irrelevant outside business.
Because all of them are necessary to achieve your goal. And there is absolutely no point in arguing which one is the most important.
Well, if we have to choose one, then I guess the goal is the most important. Because it is the prima causa. The one that necessitates the movement in the first place.
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