When urgent operational issues clash with strategic plans, it's like having a flat tire during a road trip. You need to fix the tire (operational issues) to keep moving, but you can’t forget the destination (strategic plans). First, tackle the immediate problem - get back on track quickly. Then, realign with the bigger picture. Break down tasks: what must be fixed now and what can wait? By balancing the urgent with the long-term, you’ll keep both the journey and the destination intact!

Why Would Operational Issues Clash with the Strategic Plan—Even If They’re Aligned with Organizational Goals? Even when both operations and strategy align with the overarching goals of an organization, friction can still occur. Why? Because alignment on paper doesn’t always translate into execution on the ground. That’s why it’s important to revisit operational issues thoroughly. Identify all areas of concern and develop a targeted corrective action plan. Once that's in place, integrate that plan into the broader strategic framework. From there, you can move forward with confident, informed implementation—knowing that your operations are not just aligned in theory, but also equipped to succeed in practice.

Great question. This is a common challenge, especially in mission-driven work where urgency is constant. The key is a clear, values-driven framework to guide decisions. When urgent issues arise, ask: Does this impact our ability to deliver on core mission outcomes? If yes, prioritize it, but through the lens of long-term strategy, not short-term reaction. At the same time, build operational resilience: clarify roles, define decision rights, and align teams around both the “now” and the “next.” It’s about developing the capacity to respond without losing strategic focus.