Execute to Win in Cannabis

Common sense is not always so common

I’ve done a fair amount of organizational effectiveness and cost reduction work in cannabis, both externally and through enabling internal teams. I know what makes companies tick.

When it comes to driving corporate & management results, establishing consumer trust and building capability, I have a simple but powerful conclusion:

Execution really matters, maybe more than anything else

For the most part, cannabis firms pursue comparable strategies with similar business models and constraints.

When you control for bad luck, the only difference between them is their ability to execute against their goals and plans.

For example…

✔️ How frequently do they hit required operational, compliance & reporting deadlines?

✔️ What is their success rate with implementing new technology, SOPs and equipment?

✔️ How long does it take them to get a new product to market?

The list of important activities and initiatives that must properly executed is long and never-ending.

Great corporate executors outperform their peers in terms of revenue per employee, time to business value, error rates and capital efficiency. These firms also engender more respect in the market and among consumers.

I define execution in a simple but actionable way:

The ability to get something done on time, on budget/cost, and on target quality.

A real-life example:

I deliver content marketing services for cannabis firms. I always ask why I get projects, retainers and repeat work?

Yes, I’m a decent writer, am comfortable with AI tools and know a few things about branding, thought leadership and teamwork.

However, my clients point to another reason: I show up, put my head down, execute and exceed their expectations.

Here are 5 actionable ways cannabis businesses can ‘execute with excellence’?

1️⃣ Make it a measurable priority for teams and staff

Accountability is powerful.

2️⃣ Know your talent

Not every person or team can execute well. Seemingly ordinary people (on paper) are often the best executors. Being a strong executor is a unique kettle of fish requiring different skill sets and traits.

3️⃣ Go beyond tools

Both good and bad executors use Lean & Agile methodologies and project management tools. At the end of the day, it’s about people, their incentives and the culture they operate in.

4️⃣ Think ‘nature’ and ‘nurture’

You can train people to execute, as well as provide them with the right tools. Assembling staff with ‘the right stuff’ also doesn’t hurt. These traits include attention to detail, problem solving ability and having a strong work ethic.

5️⃣ Celebrate success

Recognize and reward these unsung heroes

Call me. I help companies get sh*t done which accelerates their business and financial performance.

#projectmanagement #MSOS #LPS #operations #execution