#3: Walk the path

When in doubt on how to execute on the strategy, walk the path. Ask the following:

• How will the customer interact with the organization to ask for or select products or services?
• How will the different internal entities come together to fulfill promises made to the customer?

It is only by walking the path will the pain and challenges be evident, this experience leads to compelling solutions. Its one thing to conceptualize a 'use case'. Its quite another to experience it. Find creative ways to experience what the customer and internal stakeholders are experiencing. Where gaining the experience is expensive use the notion of a 'pilot', when gaining the experience is dangerous, use a 'simulator'. If its a totally new concept, be especially cautions as all experiences will be new, take baby steps.

Only those who walk the path will gain true knowledge and credibility.