Set direction and make the strategic bets that everything else must trace back to.

The Strategy layer is where the organisation defines its North Star — what it is committing to, and what success looks like. It sets direction and makes the strategic bets that everything below must trace back to.

Every intent, playlist and play in the tree exists to serve a commitment defined here. This layer is deliberately slow-moving compared to the others.

The Reflective Council operates here, setting OKRs and reviewing trajectory at Direction Reviews (evidence-triggered). The key discipline is restraint: the strategy layer should set a small number of clear commitments and resist the urge to micromanage how they are achieved.

The "how" belongs to the Portfolio and Execution layers. The Strategy layer's job is to ensure the organisation is solving the right problems.

Key principles

Define the North Star — what success looks like.
Commit to measurable outcomes (OKRs).
Adapt direction when evidence demands it.
Everything below must trace back here.