Learn how to calculate, and communicate, ROI that earns real buy-in.
Many strategic initiatives sound promising on paper. But when leaders ask, “What are we actually getting for this investment?” teams often struggle to answer clearly. Evaluating the ROI of strategy isn’t just a finance exercise - it’s a core capability of effective strategic planning and business strategy.
Why ROI Is Harder for Strategy
Unlike operational projects, strategic initiatives often deliver value over time and across multiple dimensions. They may strengthen capabilities, reduce future risk, or enable long-term growth rather than generate immediate revenue.
That’s why evaluating ROI requires more than spreadsheets. It requires connecting initiatives back to vision and mission, clarifying intended outcomes, and tracking progress through execution.
Start With Strategic Intent
Before measuring ROI, be clear on why the initiative exists. Ask:
- Which strategic goals does this support?
- How does it advance our vision or mission?
- What problem are we solving - or opportunity are we pursuing?
If the strategic intent isn’t clear, ROI will never be convincing.
Go Beyond Financial Metrics
Strong ROI frameworks combine quantitative and qualitative measures:
- Did we execute? Key milestones met and priorities stayed aligned
- Did risk go down? Fewer surprises and better ability to respond to change
- Did we get smarter? New skills, tools, or decision habits in place
- Did it pay off? Tangible gains in performance, cost, or resilience
This balanced view reflects how strategy actually creates value.
Make ROI a Story, Not Just a Number
ROI is as much about communication as calculation. Leaders and stakeholders need to understand how an initiative is working, what it’s enabling, and why it matters now.
When teams link outcomes back to strategy, showing how investments support execution, manage risk, and move the organization toward its mission, buy-in follows naturally.
Build the Capability to Measure What Matters
Evaluating strategic ROI isn’t a one-off task. It’s a discipline that improves with the right tools and training.
At LBL Strategies, we go beyond helping organizations write strategic plans. Our courses take a holistic approach to strategic management, covering the full system from evaluating strategic options and optimizing ROI, to measuring progress, executing effectively, and clearly communicating results to leadership and stakeholders:
- Mastering Strategy: Strategic Management Performance System (SMPS)
https://www.lblstrategies.com/training-and-certification/strategic-management-performance-system/
Learn how to align strategy, performance measures, and execution for clearer accountability and results. - Mastering Foresight: Scenario-Based Planning
https://www.lblstrategies.com/scenario-based-planning/
Explore how different futures affect the value—and risk—of strategic initiatives. - Strategic Thinking Professional Development
https://www.lblstrategies.com/training-and-certification/strategic-thinking-professional-development/
Build the judgment needed to connect strategy, metrics, and decision-making.
Ready to strengthen how you evaluate and communicate strategic impact? Explore LBL’s programs and start building ROI that resonates with leaders and stakeholders alike.