• 28% – Strategic deficiency
• 26% – Organisation and leadership
• 17% – Operational and competence gaps
• 11% – Lack of customer intimacy
• 10% – Unattractive regulatory environment
• 7% – Economic cycle (downturn)
• 5% – Product lifecycle (downward trend)
• 5% – Cultural resistance

Source: Survey of 953 senior leaders from A.T. Kearney executive briefings from 1999 to 2003.

According to the senior leaders, the biggest barrier to growth is the organisation itself (82%).

And notice what constitutes over 50% of the barriers. Wise companies think: Strategy first, then Implementation, and finally Execution. Sadly, most companies start with Execution and never go beyond it.

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