The Silent Killer of Great Ideas: Abstraction

Imagine holding a snow globe.

You can see the shape inside, but can't touch the tiny houses or feel the "snow."

That's abstraction in business communication.

It's why your last organization-wide email was met with glazed eyes and polite nods.

Abstraction is the gap between seeing an idea and feeling it.

It's the difference between knowing there's a plan and tasting its success.

When we talk about "synergy," "paradigm shifts," or "value propositions," we're building snow globes.

Pretty to look at, impossible to live in.

Want engagement?

Shatter the glass.

Instead of "implementing a new customer-centric approach," talk about "Sarah from accounting personally calling five customers every day."

Don't "optimize workflows." Show how "Tom can now approve expenses while waiting for his coffee, saving 30 minutes daily."

Abstraction is the enemy of action.

It's the reason your team nods along in meetings but nothing changes.

The fix?

Connect your ideas to the five senses.

Make your vision something they can see, touch, hear, smell, and taste.

When you replace "improve company culture" with "Friday afternoon ping-pong tournaments and the smell of fresh popcorn in the office," you're not just communicating.

You're engaging.

You're not presenting a concept.

You're extending an invitation to an experience.

Remember: The mind doesn't engage with abstractions.

It engages with experiences.

So next time you're about to send that company-wide email or give that presentation, ask yourself: "Am I handing them a snow globe, or am I inviting them to build a snowman?"

Then see what happens.

#communication #engagement #change #snowglobes