Execution

A decision earns nothing until finished work lands, not when the slide deck or the intention is done.

Key Concept

• Execution turns a decision into finished work - not slides, intentions, or we will get to it later.
• Level 1: Finish the work after you decide - not slides or later, like cooking instead of writing the recipe.
• Level 2: Execution is like closing the tab marked decided - name the next physical action and do it before you open another thread.
• Level 3: Because intent without delivery leaves stakeholders holding plans instead of outcomes, the last mile defines whether the decision mattered.
• Level 4: Name the next physical action that finishes the decision and do it before you open another thread - discussed is not done.
• Level 5: Execution turns a decision into finished work - the standard is done, not discussed; pairs with Getting Things Done next-action clarity when the gap is task capture, not intent.
• Execution is the gap between deciding and delivered - plans earn nothing until work lands.

Examples

• Our block cleanup had a group chat full of enthusiasm and no bags until one neighbor showed up with gloves and a start time.
• The coach drew a beautiful play on the whiteboard - execution started when players were on the field and someone named who cuts where on the first whistle.

Note Relationships