Here's how you can effectively communicate complex ideas in operational planning.

Effectively communicate complex ideas in operational planning by breaking them down into digestible chunks, using visual aids like charts or diagrams to illustrate key concepts. Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon whenever possible. Provide real-world examples or case studies to make abstract ideas more relatable. Encourage interactive discussions to engage stakeholders and solicit feedback. Tailor your communication style to the audience, adapting your approach for executives, team members, or clients as needed. Be patient and willing to repeat or clarify information as necessary to ensure understanding.

Learn to write in plain language. Consult a thesaurus and dictionary often. Scrutinize every word. Make every sentence punch and don’t bury the lede. You can practice by trying to write executive summaries and only allow yourself one page. Time yourself and take 2 hours to summarize a long report. The time compression will force you to pick out the important parts and “kill your darlings.” “Smart Brevity” was a great book that helped me as well as “Essential Elements of Style” and “A Rulebook for Arguments”.

This is a constant problem with communication. Too many leaders speak without listening. If you as a leader have a plan you absolutely must listen to the feedback from your team. Communication is a two way street. I relay my direction to you and need to hear your feedback that we are on the same page. If I do not listen to your feed back or response that is on me.

Back of the Napkin by Dan Roam. That book was hugely influential. Thanks to a close friend Matt Schultz for the recommendation. Distilling complexity into simple to understand graphics is key to communication. Another influence was Edward Tufte’s books on data visualization.

Break it down Barney style. KISS. So many ways to say adjust your output to the audience. If you are speaking at someone instead of with someone you will not relay your message.

Communication absolutely cannot be a one way street. Without communication flowing both ways how do you know your message was received CORRECTLY. Every person has a history, we have no idea how that history is going to influence the communication they receive. Without feedback and two way communication what has been sent could be received totally incorrectly.

Humans are primed to tell and hear stories. Have a beginning, middle, and end. Steven Pressfield’s books “Do the Work” and “The War of Art” were helpful to understand these concepts. Organizing the argument is important too. Tell them what you’re going to tell them, tell them, tell them what you told them. Highlight the main point or thesis. Build on that will supporting arguments. Hit the main points and drive it home at the end. That’s how you make it stick.