Balancing Strategic Initiatives and BAU Activities

Strategic Spark: Episode 8 — Balancing Strategic Initiatives and BAU Activities

In this episode of Strategic Spark, we explore the ongoing challenge leaders face when trying to drive long-term strategic initiatives while keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly. Known as the tension between strategy and business-as-usual (BAU), this balancing act is one of the most common and complex issues in modern organizations.

We offer a framework for understanding the disconnect, tips to prioritize effectively, and examples of how leaders can reduce friction between teams focused on the future and those managing the present.

What you’ll learn:

What “strategy vs. BAU” actually means—and why it’s a leadership challenge

The risks of focusing too much on one while neglecting the other

How to prioritize and align strategic initiatives with operational realities

The role of communication, capacity planning, and team structure in balancing both

Tactics for gaining buy-in across teams with conflicting priorities

How tools like Quantive can help you track, balance, and align across functions
 

Show Notes

[00:00] Welcome to Strategic Spark! Introducing the challenge of balancing strategic initiatives with BAU.

[01:00] The tension between visionary projects and day-to-day responsibilities.

[02:30] Why organizations struggle to prioritize both—and the cost of imbalance.

[04:00] Friction between strategy and execution teams: what causes it and how to reduce it.

[06:00] Framework for assessing your organization’s current balance between strategy and operations.

[08:00] Key questions leaders should ask: “Are we executing or just surviving?”

[09:30] The power of clarity: aligning strategic goals with frontline realities.

[11:00] Capacity planning, communication, and the importance of realistic timelines.

[12:30] Tools that help bridge the gap: How Quantive Strategy helps leaders stay on track.

[14:00] Final thoughts: You don’t have to choose between innovation and execution—you just need the right approach.