At BlueJam, we’ve worked with hundreds of strategy teams across industries. What we’ve seen, and what the research confirms, is that strategy execution is where most strategies fall apart.

Not because the strategy was bad. But because the organization wasn’t set up to bring it to life.

So why is execution so hard?

We’ve mapped out nine common pitfalls that derail even the most promising strategies. They show up at every stage of the strategy journey: Design, Mobilization, and Execution.

Nine common pitfalls that derail even the most promising strategies.

STRATEGY DESIGN

It starts with the wrong design. A great strategy needs bold choices and clear direction. But many strategies are too timid - or too vague.

1. No Strategic Courage The companies that win are the ones willing to make bold moves. According to McKinsey, the top 20% of companies capture 90% of economic profit. Those that make three or more big strategic moves are six times more likely to join them.

2. Unclear Strategy Even bold strategies fail when no one really understands them. A recent BCG study shows that while leadership alignment increases success rates by 70%, 52% of leaders say broad strategy actually hinders innovation. When strategy is unclear, teams play it safe or drift in different directions.

STRATEGY MOBILIZATION

Then comes the breakdown in mobilization. You’ve got a strategy. Now people need to believe in it - and act on it.

3. Failure to Inspire Strategy is a story. If leaders can’t tell it clearly and passionately, people won’t follow. McKinsey found that a clear and aligned leadership story makes success six times more likely. But too often, the story doesn’t land - or worse, never gets told.

4. Misaligned Resources In too many organizations, the strategy says one thing, but the budget says something else. Back in 2017, HBR found 60% of firms didn’t link budgets to strategy. Fast forward to 2024, and 47% still don’t (McKinsey). That’s nearly half of companies setting priorities with no financial backing.

5. Strategy Lost in Translation Even when the direction is clear, it often doesn’t make it to the frontlines. Managers are overwhelmed. McKinsey reports they spend less than 25% of their time on strategy, and 59% of operations leaders say plans don’t align with day-to-day goals. On top of that, 36% of managers feel unprepared for leadership (Deloitte 2025). No wonder execution falters.

STRATEGY EXECUTION

And finally - execution falls flat. This is the part no one wants to talk about. But it’s where most strategies fail.

6. Poor Strategy Execution According to HBR, 60-90% of strategic plans never fully launch. And it’s not because people don’t care. It’s because execution is hard - and often treated like an afterthought. A meta-study found failure rates for strategic initiatives range from 44% to 90%. 

7. Under-communicated Strategy It’s not enough for the executive team to know the strategy. Everyone needs to see how their work fits in. BCG found that lack of leadership alignment and communication stifles innovation, even in high-potential strategies.

8. Time-Consuming Follow-Up Strategy execution should create focus - not more admin. But almost 50% of middle managers’ time goes to reporting and preparation (McKinsey 2023). And 40% of CEO time is spent in meetings and emails (PwC 2024).

9. Low Employee Engagement At the end of the day, strategy lives or dies in people’s motivation to act. Gallup’s latest data shows that only 21% of employees globally are engaged. In the U.S., that number is 32%. In Europe, just 13%. Strategy can’t succeed without people who believe in it.

So what can we do?

Most companies don’t need a better strategy. They need a better way to live their strategy.

Because when strategy becomes a shared rhythm - woven into conversations, choices, and team goals - it creates clarity, energy, and momentum.

It helps leaders lead with purpose. It helps managers prioritize what matters. It helps employees connect their work to something bigger.

Strategy doesn’t belong in binders. It belongs in people.