Bringing Strategy to Life: Start, Stop, Keep

Strategy is not just about what you aim to accomplish—it’s about knowing what to start, what to stop, and what to keep doing to stay aligned with your goals.

Strategy is dynamic, and so is your role as a leader. As you navigate your path forward, you need to continuously evaluate what deserves your energy and focus. This is where the ‘Start, Stop, Keep’ framework comes into play. It’s a powerful tool for making sure you’re aligned with the goals that will drive growth for you and your team.

1. What Do You Need to Start Doing (or Do More Of)?

As a leader, there are always new opportunities you should explore, but not every opportunity is worth your time. The key is identifying the high-impact actions that will drive your strategy forward. This is where you should be putting your focus. What should you start doing, or start doing more of, to push your team and yourself toward success?

Ask yourself:

• Can I clearly state and summarize my strategy, and does it need to be refined?

• What high-leverage activities could I be doing to accelerate sustainable growth?

Start doing more of what brings long-term value. If you’re not prioritizing actions that directly tie to your strategic goals, it’s time to adjust. Focus on activities that build momentum and push your vision forward.

2. What Do You Need to Stop Doing?

One of the hardest things for leaders is saying “no.” We all get pulled into day-to-day distractions, but great leaders know how to stay focused by eliminating low-value tasks and distractions. This part of the framework is about stopping activities that don’t contribute to your strategy. If something doesn’t drive growth, it’s time to let it go.

Ask yourself:

• Am I saying no to my team and organization enough, or am I spreading myself too thin?

• What’s holding me back or distracting my focus from the big picture?

Stop doing what doesn’t align with your strategy. As a leader, you need to protect your time and energy by eliminating the tasks, meetings, and distractions that drain your focus. When everything feels like an emergency, it means your strategy is off course. Step back, realign, and stop giving energy to what isn’t helping you grow.

3. What Should You Keep Doing (and Focus More On)?

The final part of this framework is just as important as starting or stopping something new. It’s about consistency. As you grow as a leader, certain practices, routines, and habits will emerge that bring value to your team and organization. These are the things you need to keep doing and, in fact, double down on.

Ask yourself:

• What is already working well, and how can I amplify it?

• Are we focused on sustainable growth in revenue and margin, and how can we do more of what works?

Keep doing what is driving real results. Don’t lose sight of the actions that are already moving you in the right direction. Amplify your strengths, keep consistent with your strategic focus, and give more energy to what’s already working. Consistency is key when it comes to building momentum over time.

Conclusion: Aligning with Your Strategy Through Start, Stop, Keep

As you continue to grow as a leader, you must be intentional about what you start, stop, and keep doing. Strategy isn’t just about setting goals—it’s about ensuring that your actions are aligned with those goals. The ‘Start, Stop, Keep’ framework allows you to take a closer look at where your energy and focus should go.

Remember to:

• Start focusing on high-impact activities that drive long-term value.

• Stop wasting energy on distractions and low-value tasks that derail your strategy.

• Keep amplifying what’s working well and driving consistent results.

Leadership is about clarity and focus. Use this framework to ensure you’re moving toward sustainable growth and leading with purpose. Let’s make sure your actions match your strategy and take your leadership to the next level!