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nunocoracao · Mar 19, 2024 · a88923f · a88923f
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diff --git a/content/posts/202403-execution-is-king/index.md b/content/posts/202403-execution-is-king/index.md
@@ -1,11 +1,11 @@
 ---
 title: Execution is King
-summary: ""
-description: ""
+summary: "As a Product Manager, more often than not, I notice people mixing up _ideas_ and _execution_ in discussions. Both these concepts have entirely unique levels of fidelity to what the finished product will be. It’s important for Product Managers to know the difference between these two concepts, how to manage them, and what importance they should have at different stages of the product development cycle. Not understanding the differences between an _idea_ and an _execution_ isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's a significant obstacle to innovation and strategic execution for products and companies. "
+description: "As a Product Manager, more often than not, I notice people mixing up _ideas_ and _execution_ in discussions. Both these concepts have entirely unique levels of fidelity to what the finished product will be. It’s important for Product Managers to know the difference between these two concepts, how to manage them, and what importance they should have at different stages of the product development cycle. Not understanding the differences between an _idea_ and an _execution_ isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's a significant obstacle to innovation and strategic execution for products and companies. "
 categories: [Product, Strategy, Opinion]
-tags: [innovation, Entrepreneurship]
-date: 2024-03-15
-draft: true
+tags: [Innovation, Entrepreneurship]
+date: 2024-03-19
+draft: false
 showauthor: false
 # series: ["The New AI Hype"]
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@@ -14,50 +14,27 @@ authors:
   - nunocoracao
 ---
 
-As a Product Manager, more often than not, I notice people mixing up *ideation* and _execution_ phases in discussions. Both when evaluating new initiatives to bet on and when evaluating what is happening in their industry. Knowing the difference between these two concepts, how to manage them, and what importance they should have in different occasions is key for someone working on _building_ ideas (e.g. Product), and can, ultimately, make a company/team succeed or fail. This confusion isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's a significant obstacle to innovation and strategic execution. 
+As a Product Manager, more often than not, I notice people mixing up _ideas_ and _execution_ in discussions. Both these concepts have entirely unique levels of fidelity to what the finished product will be. It’s important for Product Managers to know the difference between these two concepts, how to manage them, and what importance they should have at different stages of the product development cycle. Not understanding the differences between an _idea_ and an _execution_ isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's a significant obstacle to innovation and strategic execution for products and companies. 
 
-## Ideas VS Execution
+## Definitions
 ### What is an Idea?
-An idea is a concept or a vision. It’s the initial spark of creativity that suggests a new way of doing something, solving a problem, or addressing a need. Ideas are abundant and can range from the mundane to the revolutionary. However, ideas by themselves are intangible and hold potential rather than value.
+An idea is a concept or a vision. It’s the initial spark of creativity that suggests a new way of doing something, solving a user pain point, or addressing a need. Ideas are abundant and can range from the mundane to the revolutionary. However, ideas by themselves are intangible and hold potential rather than value. A well-defined idea should focus on describing what problem is being solved, who has it, and an initial vision for what the solution could look like.
 
 ### What is Execution?
-Execution is the process of taking an idea and turning it into reality. It involves planning, development, and implementation. Execution is where strategy, skill, and effort come into play to transform a concept into a product, service, or result. Unlike ideas, execution is tangible, measurable, and ultimately, what delivers value.
+Execution is the process of taking an idea and turning it into reality. It involves planning, development, and implementation. Execution is where strategy, skill, and effort come into play to transform a concept into a product, service, or result. Unlike ideas, execution is tangible, measurable, and ultimately, what delivers value. A well-planned execution will break down the initial idea&vision into workable chunks that can be planned, tested, and measured for outcomes.
 
-### Comparison and Common Misunderstandings
-The key difference lies in their nature; ideas are about "what" and "why", while execution is about "how" and "when". People often confuse excitement and enthusiasm for an idea with the practicalities and challenges of executing it. This confusion can lead to unrealistic expectations, misallocation of resources, and disappointment.
+## Problems
+Usually, people tend to split the above in a very simplistic way: ideas are about **what** and **why**, while execution is about **how** and **when**. This view is part of the issue. Both concepts ultimately are about **something** that has different fidelity levels defining it across time. As a team progresses in working on an idea, the level of ambiguity decreases while the definition increases. E.g., an idea becomes a mockup, the mockup becomes a prototype, that prototype becomes a real app running on a device. 
 
-## Examples
-### Messaging Apps
-Consider the concept of instant messaging. The idea is simple: enable real-time text-based communication between users. However, the execution varies widely, from WhatsApp's focus on simplicity and security to Slack's emphasis on integrating work communication and tools. The idea might be similar, but execution defines success and market differentiation.
+Secondly, people also make the mistake of thinking that one idea has one execution, and typically the right execution lives on their head. In fact, one idea can have multiple different executions (with multiple interesting ones), also the same execution can be achieved by multiple different ideas. Understanding this concept is key to navigate the development process and stakeholder management.
 
-### Social Networks
-Social networking platforms all stem from one idea: connecting people online. Yet, the execution of this idea has led to vastly different platforms. LinkedIn focuses on professional networking, while Instagram emphasizes visual content. Though rooted in the same basic concept, their executions cater to different needs and behaviors.
+Finally, people often confuse excitement and enthusiasm for an idea with the practicalities and challenges of executing it. This confusion can lead to unrealistic expectations, misalignment of goals, and disappointment towards the end of a project. Stakeholders might fall in love with the idea without fully understanding the complexity of its execution. This discrepancy can lead to frustration when the reality of the time, cost, and effort required to realize the idea becomes apparent. At the same time, stakeholders might not want to invest in an idea because they cannot _see_ the final execution.
 
-### Mobile Phones
-The transition from feature phones to smartphones is a prime example of execution taking precedence over the idea. The idea of a mobile phone remained consistent, but the execution in terms of software capabilities, internet connectivity, and touch interfaces revolutionized the industry.
+## Why does it matter?
 
-### Augmented Reality (AR)
-AR technology offers a broad idea: overlaying digital information onto the real world. However, its execution ranges from Snapchat filters and Pokémon GO to complex industrial and educational applications, demonstrating how diverse execution can fulfill different visions.
+While ideas are the seed, execution is the sunlight, water, and soil that allow the seed to grow. An average idea with excellent execution can outperform a brilliant idea with poor execution. Recognizing this balances the focus on the idea and how it will be brought to life, rather than just the idea itself. 
 
-## Problems Arising from Confusion
-### Lack of Alignment
-When teams conflate ideas with execution, there's a risk of misalignment on goals, expectations, and measures of success. This misalignment can lead to wasted efforts and resources as teams may pursue the wrong objectives.
-
-### Managing Expectations Becomes Challenging
-Stakeholders might fall in love with the idea without fully understanding the complexity of its execution. This discrepancy can lead to frustration when the reality of the time, cost, and effort required to realize the idea becomes apparent.
-
-### Comparisons at the Wrong Level
-Comparing high-level ideas without considering the nuances of execution leads to oversimplification. It ignores the subtleties that can make or break the success of a project. Different executions of the same idea can lead to vastly different outcomes, and one approach may serve multiple ideas.
-
-## Why Distinguishing Between Ideas and Execution Matters
-### The Value Equation
-While ideas are the seed, execution is the sunlight, water, and soil that allow the seed to grow. An average idea with excellent execution can outperform a brilliant idea with poor execution. Recognizing this shifts the focus towards how an idea is brought to life, rather than the idea itself.
-
-### Facilitating the Building Process
-Clear differentiation helps in managing the building process with stakeholders. It clarifies expectations, aligns efforts, and focuses on the practical steps needed to realize a vision. This approach fosters a culture of accountability and pragmatism.
-
-### Understanding the Competitive Landscape
-In analyzing competitors and market forces, understanding that the execution behind their products or services is what sets them apart allows for more strategic planning. It highlights the importance of innovation not just in what you do, but how you do it.
+Clear differentiation helps in managing the building process with stakeholders. It clarifies expectations, aligns efforts, and focuses on the practical steps needed to realize a vision. This approach fosters a culture of accountability and pragmatism. It also helps manage expectations of how **shaped** something should be at each level. Being able to understand how people react to these concepts can also help facilitate getting the _buy in_ from stakeholders by understanding their PoV. Every so often they have an issue with the idea itself, the execution you are proposing, or the execution they are imagining (usually the most common one). 
 
 ## Conclusion
 As we navigate the complex landscape of product development and innovation, distinguishing between ideas and their execution becomes not just beneficial, but essential. It informs our strategies, aligns our teams, and ultimately, determines our success in the market. By recognizing the value of execution and dedicating the necessary resources and effort to it, we can transform even the simplest ideas into remarkable realities. This mindset is what separates the dreamers from the doers, and in the world of business, it's the doers who lead the way.