The Pyramid Principle

This term was coined by Mckinsey, a name for a methodology for structured communication.

In simple language it primarily means; " Get to the Damn Point".

The idea germinated while I was discussing my need for a road bike ( the non motorised one) although I am the proud owner of a Triathlon Bike ( again, a non motorised one).

I recently had my birthday and my wife had been pestering me what i wanted as a gift. After a fortnight of rumination and discussions with my coach it was decided that i need another set of wheels in my ongoing Triathlon journey. Not satisfied with having spent INR 200,000 for my prized possession, I was planning to plunge again into the cookie jar and spend an amount which would get me a Top of the line Royal Enfield ( the new refined versions are quite the hit). But with little scope of anyone interesting sitting behind me at-least in the COVID era, I decided for the mechanical one. If nothing else, the legs would get more shapely, and may reap fruits in the long run.

I told her that I needed a road bike. To which her simple question was; "Whats the Damn ( wasn't stated but understood) Difference?

I replied humbly; " The difference is in the Geometry". When this did not satisfy her ever increasing frown, I explained that the configuration of bikes is based on the frame. The typical bikes we used as kids allowed us an upright position, comfort being the primary factor. As the bikes evolve into Road bikes and eventually Triathlon Bikes, the body position gets more horizontal reducing the drag and making you and the bike more aerodynamic. The cost of aerodynamics is comfort and fatigue and hence road bikes are more suited for longer rides and for climbing hills vis-a-vis Triathlon bikes.

This satisfied her and I got the necessary approval.

Often in corporate world we need to get approvals for projects or Business plans. Too often in presentations or conversations I find the objective of the same missing. Halfway in the story the question is asked. What are you looking for? This is a poor representation for our communication skills.

Our communication needs to be precise and our objective stated upfront. Business leaders will accordingly appraise the process; that the context has been set right and many a times may not need the explanation provided for because it may fall in line with their unstated objectives. Even if they have questions, they will be pointed and precise. Hence our communication needs to be Lucid and crisp.

In the current fast paced times being concise is a skill which needs to be mastered.

Supporting facts and summarising may be called upon, and you need to be prepared for the same. However, do not make it the cornerstone of the conversation.

Follow the Pyramid:

1. Start with the Objective first.
2. Summarize your supporting arguments.
3. Logically order your supporting ideas.