The Why Whisperer: Aligning Teams with Hans Lagerweij
- Sei Spiers
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Have you ever walked out of a strategy day feeling energised, only to watch nothing really change on Monday morning? Do your people know what the strategy is but struggle to see how their day-to-day work connects to it? Or worse, are you one of the 95% of leaders whose teams don't even know the strategy in the first place? In episode 301 of The Leadership Project, Mick Spiers is joined by Hans Lagerweij, the "Why Whisperer," to explore why strategy often feels boring, distant, or abstract for most people.
Hans Lagerweij, with a decorated executive career and as the author of the bestselling book, "The Why Whisperer: How to Motivate and Align Teams to Get Your Strategy Done," joins the discussion to share insights on transforming strategic planning into powerful execution through his 6C model.
Understanding the Disconnect
Strategy often creates a visceral reaction. People, including those in leadership, might roll their eyes at the mere mention of it. Lagerweij identifies 95% of employees as being unaware of their company's strategy, which is shocking yet explains why so many strategies fail to execute. Instead of aiming for 'buy-in,' he advocates for 'shared ownership' of strategy, ensuring everyone knows their role in achieving the strategic plan.
The 6C Model of Effective Strategy Execution
Clear Communication: Hans emphasises the importance of communicating strategy in a simple, engaging, and inspiring way. The reverse elevator pitch—a quick, impactful explanation of the strategy—is crucial. Leaders need to whisper the strategy up close, encouraging dialogue and understanding across the team.
Consistent Reinforcement: Strategy isn’t a once-a-year disclosure but a continuous dialogue. Leaders should link everyday actions and decisions back to the strategy, demonstrating its relevance in each aspect of the working day.
Cultural Alignment: Understanding and aligning with an organisation’s values is essential. Incentives, rewards, and behaviours must align with the strategy to build a cohesive and motivated workforce ready to execute strategic plans effectively.
Continuous Improvement: Strategy should be agile, allowing for adaptation in an ever-changing world. It’s more about setting a course and making ongoing adjustments rather than detailing every step, making it a 'living document' that evolves with new insights.
Collaborative Engagement: Breaking down silos and fostering cross-functional teamwork is critical for strategy execution. Shared objectives encourage collaboration rather than competition, creating a more united organisational effort.
Celebrating Successes: Celebrating milestones not only motivates but also reinforces the strategy. Celebrations should tie back to the strategic goals, recognising contributions towards achieving them and fostering an environment where success is shared and celebrated.
Conclusion: Becoming a Why Whisperer
The discussion with Hans Lagerweij offers a fresh perspective on transforming strategy from an abstract concept into actionable plans that inspire and engage teams at all levels. By implementing the 6Cs, leaders can move beyond mere 'buy-in' to create real 'shared ownership,' making them true Why Whisperers within their organisations.
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In this episode, Hans provides a roadmap for leaders at all levels—whether CEOs, managers, or frontline supervisors—to ensure that strategy is not only understood but actively engaged with by all team members. As a leader, how can you incorporate the 6Cs into your strategic execution and become a Why Whisperer for your team?
