In leadership, it’s not the number of ideas that defines success; it’s the discipline to choose which ones to let go. Strategy, at its core, is not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters most.
Every organization, team, or individual faces the same challenge: there will always be more good ideas than there is time, money, or energy to execute them all. But here’s the truth: not every good idea deserves a “yes.”
Great strategy is the art of deliberate neglect, the courage to say no to good ideas so that great ones can thrive.
When leaders lack focus, they spread their resources thin, chasing opportunities that glitter but don’t align with the mission. The result? Busy teams, half-finished projects, and no real progress. But when they choose focus, they create space for excellence to emerge.
Think of Steve Jobs, who famously said, “Innovation is saying no to a thousand things.” The same principle applies in strategy. Every “no” is an investment in a bigger “yes.”
At Summit Consulting, we’ve seen this truth in every transformation journey we’ve guided. Organizations that grow sustainably are not the ones that chase trends; they are the ones that commit deeply to a few powerful priorities and execute them exceptionally well.
So, ask yourself:
- What are the good ideas distracting you from the great ones?
- What must you stop doing to create room for what truly matters?
Strategy is not a to-do list. It’s a stop-doing list.
Because in the end, success doesn’t come from the number of opportunities you pursue, it comes from the few you pursue with absolute focus and conviction.
I remain Mr. Strategy
