Is your strategy built around one star… or everyone?

What does your organisation’s strategy look like?

Is it built around one star — or around everyone?

I’m sure I’m not the only one who is low-key obsessed with the Superbowl halftime show.

I’ve been watching it religiously since I lived in Canada in 1988 – when it was mostly marching bands. And yes, that is as exciting as it sounds…

In more recent years, the Superbowl halftime show has become a spectacle of light, sound, and celebrity. With most of the focus on the headline act.

Stars like Diana Ross, U2, Madonna, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Coldplay, and, of course, my two faves — Prince (2007), and Shakira and J Lo (2020).

According to a few articles I’ve read about Superbowl LX, when Bad Bunny had his first creative meeting with Apple Music (the halftime sponsor), he said:

"This isn't my halftime show; this is everyone's halftime show."

Which leads me to wonder: is your strategy built around a few key players, or is it designed for everyone?

In a lot of strategy conversations I’ve had, I hear things like:

• The CEO sets the strategy

• I don’t know what our core purpose is

• Culture is “HR’s responsibility”

In sustainable organisations:

• Strategy is shared – and everyone is clear on what it is

• Culture is co-created and credit flows across the organisation

• Success is collective

Real and effective strategy isn’t about the boss shining. It’s about everyone succeeding.

When strategy is designed for everyone, you have:

• Clarity – People understand what matters and why

• Capacity – Workload is distributed, not hoarded by heroes

• Culture – Ownership replaces compliance

That’s the foundation of sustainable success.

So ask yourself: is your organisation running like a halftime show built around one star?

Or does it belong to everyone?

I’d love to know.

Mel xx

P.S. If you need some support with your strategy, let’s talk.