I once sat across from a CEO who was frustrated with his team. He rattled off a list of big ideas they’d discussed in strategy meetings—bold initiatives, cultural shifts, and market moves that could transform their company. Then he leaned back in his chair, sighed, and said, “But none of it is happening.”
I asked him one simple question:
“Who’s actually executing?”
Silence.
The truth hit him hard. His executive team was great at talking, but terrible at following through. They had a habit of making bold commitments and then letting them fade into the background of day-to-day fire drills. They weren’t measuring execution, so they weren’t holding themselves accountable for it.
Here’s the reality: If you’re not executing, you’re not an executive. You’re just a person with a title.
Why Execution Fails
Execution breaks down for a few key reasons:
- No Clear Ownership – Everyone assumes someone else is taking the lead.
- No Tracking System – If you don’t measure it, it doesn’t matter.
- Fear of Conflict – Holding people accountable is uncomfortable.
- Overcommitment – Too many priorities mean nothing actually gets done.
I see it all the time—teams that are full of good intentions but short on results. They start strong, have powerful discussions, and make big promises, but when you check back in, there’s little progress.
And yet, execution is one of the easiest things to track. Either it happened, or it didn’t. Either you kept your commitment, or you didn’t.
The Executive Scorecard: Track Execution, Reward Follow-Through
If you want to build a culture of execution, you need a system to track commitments and a reward for keeping them. Below is a simple weekly scorecard you can use with your leadership team. It forces accountability and creates a culture where follow-through is expected—not optional.
Executive Execution Scorecard
| Category | Yes (1 Point) | No (0 Points) |
|---|---|---|
| Commitments Met – Did you follow through on every promise made in last week’s meeting? | ✅ | ❌ |
| Decisions Made – Did you make and communicate all necessary decisions? | ✅ | ❌ |
| Obstacles Removed – Did you eliminate blockers for your team? | ✅ | ❌ |
| Team Commitments Met – Did your team fulfill the commitments they made? | ✅ | ❌ |
| Accountability Conversations – Did you address lack of execution directly? | ✅ | ❌ |
Scoring:
- 5 points: You’re leading with execution. Keep it up.
- 4 points: Strong, but there’s room for improvement.
- 3 points or less: Your leadership team has a breakdown in execution, and it’s costing you momentum. Fix it.
How to Use the Scorecard
- Review it weekly as an executive team.
- Celebrate those who consistently execute.
- Address breakdowns directly—don’t let them slide.
- Reward the leaders who drive results. Execution is what earns trust.
Final Thought: Execution Is the Job
Ideas are cheap. Meetings are easy. Words are everywhere. But execution? That’s rare.
A great executive doesn’t just lead meetings or set strategy—they get things done. If your leadership team isn’t consistently executing, they’re just filling chairs.
What’s your execution score this week?
Let’s make leadership about action, not just titles.
Your Turn:
- What’s the biggest promise your team has made but not followed through on?
- How will you ensure next week’s commitments don’t turn into next quarter’s excuses?
Let’s raise the bar on execution. It’s the job.
About Michael King
I’m Michael King, an executive coach dedicated to helping leaders like you craft clear, focused strategies that drive results. With years of experience guiding high-level executives through the challenges of leadership, team engagement, and effective communication, I’ve seen firsthand what works—and what doesn’t. My approach is straightforward, no-nonsense, and always aimed at creating systems that lead to sustained success. If you’re ready to take your leadership and your team’s performance to the next level, let’s schedule a time to chat. Together, we can develop a tailored strategy that aligns your team, amplifies your marketing efforts, and propels your business forward. Click below to book a call with me today!
