The point through the lens where rays of moving light or sound meet.
The centre or place where everyone comes to be together.
The feature of a work of art that is given the most prominence, importance or emphasis.

We originally positioned the sofa facing the fireplace. Then we moved it closer to the newly arrived radio, as we wanted to gather round that instead and listen together. The radio was then replaced by the television, which now competes for attention with laptops, tablets and phones.
 
For years we’ve adjusted things in ways that make it easier for us to come together on the things that matter most.
 
We direct light towards things we want others to see.

We centre objects we use regularly, so they’re easy to reach (nobody puts wine glasses at the back of cupboard!). 

We give prominence to things we love and are important to us.
 
A regular feature of our balance conversations, is helping leaders bring everyone together to focus on what matters most.
 
In the world of arts and culture, the term strategy can often be met with some apprehension or viewed as a bit corporate or uncreative. In fact, it’s just a simple lens that helps us create the focal point for our day-to-day activity.
 
It highlights the things that need attention, to help align actions and behaviours.

It puts priorities up front and centre, to make it easy for people to direct their energy, expertise and ideas to the same place.

It gives prominence to the values that are important to the organisation, so they become the principle focus of the brand.
 
A good strategy will also have the agility to flex and evolve, so it can be moved to serve multiple purposes and continually bring everyone together, as needs and priorities change.

Consider the living room today, where that sofa or table is positioned to create a work space a school space and an area in which we gather, relax or entertain. It’s the place where everyone comes together to do what they want and need to do.
 
Identifying where you want the focal point to be, is an important first step - but what’s also important, is creating a shared lens that helps people see how and where they can come together. In other words, ensuring your strategy is balanced and flexible enough to reflect changing needs and priorities and positioned in a way that ensures everyone will come together, to focus on what matters most.
 
If you’d benefit from some help in creating focal points for your organisation, take a moment to look at how we’ve helped others.