Don't Just Talk, Do it

We’ve talked about it, now I expect you to do it.

How many times have you had a conversation, made a decision (you thought!), and left the meeting feeling confident that things would get done, only to find nothing has changed weeks later? Discussions are important, but if they don’t lead to action, they become nothing more than wasted time and good intentions.

To move the needle we need to do more than just facilitate conversations, we need to transform them into execution. So, how do you ensure that what gets talked about actually gets done?

The first step is to remove any assumption: what are we agreeing to?

One of the biggest reasons action stalls after a conversation is vague agreements. We leave the discussion thinking we are on the same page, but when it comes to execution, interpretations differ.  Some of the best leaders I have worked with have a clear focus on action.  That means they never leave a conversation based on an assumption.

To do this:
The wrap up: Before wrapping up a conversation, clearly state what was agreed upon. Example: “So we’re all aligned—you will complete the first draft by Friday, and I  will review and come back to you by COB Monday.”
The Specific Expectation – Instead of “Let’s improve communication,”  which really could mean anything get really specific about what will really happen “We’ll now have a 15 minute daily check, in to stay aligned.”
The Commitment (its not a ceremony!)  A simple “Does everyone know what to do from here?” ensures people actively acknowledge their role.

Action starts with clarity. If people don’t know exactly what’s expected, they won’t (or cant) execute.

Assign Ownership: If It’s Everyone’s Job, It’s No One’s Job

We all agree, but who is actually going to do it?  If its everyone’s job, its no ones job.   A general sense of responsibility is not enough, execution correlates with accountability.  Every action needs a name next to it. “We” will do something is vague; “John is responsible for delivering X” creates accountability.  Then add a timeframe.  Anything that does not have a timeframe is not a priority.  Be explicit and include the why: “I’ll need that by Thursday so we can review it Friday.”  End with an open question.  “What support or resources do you need to successfully deliver this?”  This avoids silent roadblocks.

Execution isn’t about agreement, it’s about ownership. If no one is clearly responsible, the task won’t happen.

If you create one habit its this: Conversations Shouldn’t End Without a Follow Up Plan

Agreement in the moment doesn’t guarantee follow through. People get busy, priorities shift, and without follow up, even the best discussions get lost in the noise. Closing the loop ensures accountability.

If you don’t follow up, how important is it really?

Check,in in your next meeting, uUse shared task lists, follow,up emails, or dashboards to track commitments.  If something hasn’t moved forward, ask why. Is there a blocker? Does someone need support? Silence is where execution goes to die.

 If people know progress is monitored, it reinforces that progress is expected and they’re more likely to execute.

A Culture of Follow Through is Key To Success

If your team constantly discusses ideas but fails to act, execution problems become cultural. You need to reinforce that talking about something isn’t the same as doing it.

Don’t let it slide, you must call it out.  If commitments aren’t met, address it directly. Your team needs to know you will ask why.  Give great feedback on execution.  If you want it to be the norm, recognising actual results builds accountability.  Most of all – If you expect follow through, close your own loops, meet your own deadlines, and hold yourself to the same standard.

Conversations Are Just the Beginning

Good discussions drive decisions, but leaders turn those decisions into action. If you want to be a leader who gets things done, ask yourself: Are you just having conversations, or are you making execution nonnegotiable?

Because in the end, what matters isn’t what gets talked about, it’s what gets done.