--- title: The Strategy Pyramid description: How do you execute your strategy? Do you know your Purpose? Do you know what Strategy means? Do you have an Execution plan? image: https://extendedimpact.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20depicts%20a%20structured%20pyramid%20divided%20into%20three%20main%20sections%20Purpose%20at%20the%20top%2c%20Strategy%20in%20the%20middle%2c%20and%20Execution%20at%20the%20base.jpeg --- [Skip to content](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/the-strategy-pyramid#main-content) ![EIMG stone pyramid](https://extendedimpact.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EIMG%20stone%20pyramid.jpg?width=500&height=500&name=EIMG%20stone%20pyramid.jpg) - [Home](https://extendedimpact.com/) - [About](https://extendedimpact.com/about) - [Contact](https://extendedimpact.com/contact) - [Services](https://extendedimpact.com/services) Show submenu for Services - [My Biz Dev Revenue Strategist](https://extendedimpact.com/services/my-bd-revenue-advisor) - [My Fractional Project Manager](https://extendedimpact.com/services/fractional-consulting) - [My Extended Enterprise](https://extendedimpact.com/services/quarterbacked-relations) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Home](https://extendedimpact.com/) - [About](https://extendedimpact.com/about) - [Contact](https://extendedimpact.com/contact) - [Services](https://extendedimpact.com/services) Show submenu for Services - [My Biz Dev Revenue Strategist](https://extendedimpact.com/services/my-bd-revenue-advisor) - [My Fractional Project Manager](https://extendedimpact.com/services/fractional-consulting) - [My Extended Enterprise](https://extendedimpact.com/services/quarterbacked-relations) - [Contact us](https://meetings.hubspot.com/don207/lets-connect) [Contact us](https://meetings.hubspot.com/don207/lets-connect) Jan 28, 2025 12:57:09 PM # The Strategy Pyramid ![Picture of Don Stephenson](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/ad16b434abce58fa4657cf2b515cc35f) [Don Stephenson](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/author/don-stephenson) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/the-strategy-pyramid) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/the-strategy-pyramid) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/the-strategy-pyramid) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/the-strategy-pyramid) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/the-strategy-pyramid) Credit for this content and image goes to Igor Buinevici. You can [**connect with Igor**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/igor-buinevici/).   I like this strategy pyramid for its simplicity. I also like it because one cannot execute on strategy, if the concept of strategy is misunderstood or not effectively addressed. One change I might suggest is this - switch **Purpose** at top of the pyramid with **Execution** at the bottom. In my mind, **Vision**, **Values**, and **Mission** come before **Strategy**. *What do you think?* I hope this material gets your mental juices flowing!   **90% of companies fail to execute their strategy:** *But what sets the other 10% apart?* Let me introduce you to an incredibly effective framework: **The Strategy Pyramid**. Originally shared by Wendy McGuiness (2011), this framework outlines 9 essential elements of successful strategy and execution. These elements are organized into 3 core categories: Purpose, Strategy, and Execution. ![Image preview](https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/v2/D4E22AQGiQ5bJjg54qA/feedshare-shrink_800/B4EZRFekk3GwAk-/0/1736332430844?e=1741219200&v=beta&t=cEuc6vSW6kXkI7zo0qkiS2Qsd-vtMvtughKY7fOczOE) **A) Purpose** Mission: Defines the company’s core purpose, answering questions like: *“Why do we exist?” “What is our main reason for being in business?”* Values: Establishes the principles and beliefs that guide decision-making. Shapes organizational culture by aligning with ethical standards and desired behaviors. Vision: Creates a compelling image of the company’s desired future. It answers the question: *“Where do we aim to be in the years ahead?”* **B) Strategy** Strategic Intent: Specifies the organization’s top goals and objectives. Lays out the desired outcomes and how to achieve them. Drivers: Highlights the key factors driving success, such as: market expansion, innovation, cost efficiency, or customer satisfaction. Enablers: Focuses on the tools, resources, and capabilities required to implement the strategy. Includes technology, skilled personnel, and financial assets. **C) Execution** Targets and Initiatives: Defines actionable steps and measurable targets aligned with strategic objectives to drive progress. Performance Indicators: Establishes KPIs to monitor progress and measure the impact of strategic efforts. Strategy Map: Provides a clear visual representation of the strategy to ensure organizational alignment and clarity. This framework helps leaders: 1) Define their organization’s purpose. 2) Craft a focused strategy. 3) Execute it with precision. Each pillar is equally vital - neglecting one can jeopardize the entire process. To succeed in execution: You must clearly define what you are going to execute. [Strategy](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/tag/strategy) ## Related posts [![](https://extendedimpact.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20features%20a%20modern%2c%20sleek%20infographic%20divided%20into%20four%20quadrants%2c%20each%20illustrating%20a%20different%20concept%20related%20to%20strategy%20and%20planning.jpeg?height=200&name=The%20image%20features%20a%20modern%2c%20sleek%20infographic%20divided%20into%20four%20quadrants%2c%20each%20illustrating%20a%20different%20concept%20related%20to%20strategy%20and%20planning.jpeg)](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/is-strategy-and-planning-the-same-thing) [Strategy](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/tag/strategy) ## [Is strategy and planning the same thing?](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/is-strategy-and-planning-the-same-thing) ![Picture of Don Stephenson](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/ad16b434abce58fa4657cf2b515cc35f) [Don Stephenson](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/author/don-stephenson) Jan 21, 2025 2:21:47 PM Happy 2025! Here's wishing you much health, wealth, and happiness throughout this New Year and... [Read more](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/is-strategy-and-planning-the-same-thing) [![Principles to fuel your fundraising and grow your nonprofit.](https://extendedimpact.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/A%20sign%20with%20the%20phrase%20Foundation%20before%20fundraising%20%20be%20fundable%20and%20findable%20first-1.png?height=200&name=A%20sign%20with%20the%20phrase%20Foundation%20before%20fundraising%20%20be%20fundable%20and%20findable%20first-1.png)](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/20-steps-to-fuel-fundraising) [Strategy](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/tag/strategy), [Leadership](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/tag/leadership), [Fundraising](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/tag/fundraising) ## [20 Steps to Fuel Fundraising](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/20-steps-to-fuel-fundraising) ![Picture of Don Stephenson](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/ad16b434abce58fa4657cf2b515cc35f) [Don Stephenson](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/author/don-stephenson) Mar 6, 2026 4:54:16 PM The last five blog posts have concentrated on strategy, clarity, alignment, and fundraising tactics. [Read more](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/20-steps-to-fuel-fundraising) [![Strategy is clarity (credit to Nick Curum)](https://extendedimpact.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Strategy%20is%20clarity.jpg?height=200&name=Strategy%20is%20clarity.jpg)](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/the-power-of-strategic-clarity) [Strategy](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/tag/strategy), [Leadership](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/tag/leadership), [Impact](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/tag/impact) ## [The Power of Strategic Clarity](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/the-power-of-strategic-clarity) ![Picture of Don Stephenson](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/ad16b434abce58fa4657cf2b515cc35f) [Don Stephenson](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/author/don-stephenson) Feb 15, 2026 1:22:15 PM Why Getting Your Strategy Right is the Ultimate Competitive Advantage [Read more](https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/the-power-of-strategic-clarity) [linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/in/donstephenson) - [Home](https://extendedimpact.com) - [About](https://extendedimpact.com/about) - [Contact](https://extendedimpact.com/contact) - [Services](https://extendedimpact.com/services) --- [![Logo](https://extendedimpact.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EIMG%20stone%20pyramid-1.jpg?width=500&height=500&name=EIMG%20stone%20pyramid-1.jpg "Logo")](https://extendedimpact.com/) 11 Parklands Dr., Unit 1227, Bluffton SC 29910 Email: [don@extendedimpact.com](mailto:don@extendedimpact.com)  Direct: (843) 940-7012 Copyright © 2026, Extended Impact Management Group LLC ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Don Stephenson", "url" : "https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/author/don-stephenson" }, "dateModified" : "2025-01-28T17:57:09.520Z", "datePublished" : "2025-01-28T17:57:09.000Z", "headline" : "The Strategy Pyramid", "image" : [ "https://extendedimpact.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20depicts%20a%20structured%20pyramid%20divided%20into%20three%20main%20sections%20Purpose%20at%20the%20top%2c%20Strategy%20in%20the%20middle%2c%20and%20Execution%20at%20the%20base.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://extendedimpact.com/en/principle-impact/the-strategy-pyramid", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://extendedimpact.com/hubfs/EIMG%20stone%20pyramid-1.jpg" }, "name" : "Extended Impact Management Group LLC" } } ```