The Importance of 90-Day Strategy Cycles
Why Quarterly Reviews Outperform Annual Planning
In today's fast-paced business environment, agility and strategic alignment are not just advantages—they're necessities. The RISE Method offers a structured approach to aligning your strategy every 90 days, helping organizations maintain momentum and drive execution. This method is designed to transform insights into actionable strategies, ensuring your business stays competitive and focused on what truly matters.
Annual planning can often leave organizations vulnerable in a fast-paced market. Research from Harvard Business Review shows that organizations conducting quarterly strategy reviews are 3X more likely to outperform those that stick to annual reviews. This shift allows businesses to respond to market changes and seize new opportunities.
The RISE Method: A 4-Step Process
The RISE Method consists of four key steps that guide organizations through a structured approach to strategic execution.
R – Review Past Performance
Start by reflecting on the previous quarter. Celebrate wins, analyze progress, and extract valuable lessons. Consider these prompts:
- What did I accomplish?
- What worked well, and why?
- What important lessons did I learn?
I – Illuminate the Strategic Context
Next, assess the broader market landscape. Evaluate external trends and competitive positioning by asking:
- What shifts have occurred in the market?
- Are there external factors that require us to pivot our strategy?
S – Spotlight Immediate Needs
Identify critical priorities by focusing on what matters most for stakeholders:
- What’s the most important thing the business needs right now?
- What do our employees and customers need to succeed?
E – Execute Refined Strategy
Finally, turn insights into action. Implement decisions and set clear action plans. Establish accountability systems to track progress and maintain alignment.
Bridging the Execution Gap
Many organizations struggle with execution despite having well-formulated strategies. Common reasons include lack of alignment, unclear priorities, and failure to track progress. The RISE Method addresses these issues by providing a structured approach that ensures strategies are actionable steps that drive results.
The Role of Leadership in Driving Strategic Alignment
- Setting clear expectations for accountability
- Promoting open communication about priorities and progress
- Celebrating wins to maintain motivation and engagement
The RISE Method is more than a method; it’s a mindset that empowers organizations to turn insights into actionable strategies. By implementing this method, leaders eliminate the gap between strategy and execution, maintaining momentum quarter after quarter.