The 4 Disciplines of Execution

Abstract

It’s one thing to come up with a good idea and a strategy to deliver but to execute the strategy. This article takes a look at how to implement the 4 Disciplines of Execution [1] in project management. The disciplines are guidelines to assist with the execution of a projects strategy. Strategies and methods can easily change while it is more difficult to affect behaviours. Human behaviour is a key factor behind the complexity of undertaking a project [2]. If you want to take on a task you have never done before, you might also have to do things you have never done before. The authors of the 4 Disciplines of Execution refer to the whirlwind to be the greatest enemy of execution. The whirlwind is describes as “the massive amount of energy that’s necessary just to keep your operation going on a day-to-day basis”. The disciplines protect the execution of a project from the chaos of the whirlwind.

This article will introduce and provide context to 4DX. Listing down each discipline, explaining them, how they are applied and how they might be beneficial working with projects. Finally the limitations of the tool will be addressed.