Simplicity Doesn't Mean Stupidity In The World Of Communication

As leaders we continually strive to take complexity out of our businesses, out of our processes, out of our decision making… and we do so to drive agility. Makes sense, doesn’t it?

However… I’m continually struck by how we don’t take the same approach when it comes to our communication.

My conversations with clients this month have focused on pitches that are too long, presentation slide decks that are too dense (and which no-one understands), answers that are too detailed, and opinions that are too unstructured… the list is endless.

So, what’s going on here? I cannot decide if it’s driven by a lack of confidence, a need to demonstrate the ‘right’ to be in the room, a power play, a misunderstanding about what influence really means, a belief that our value is in our technical expertise so we need to talk about it extensively in our messaging, a desire to avoid being perceived as stupid or incompetent or something else entirely.

Whatever the rationale, let’s be clear – simplicity of message doesn’t mean stupidity… it means clarity.  It also means agility. We can only be agile if we remove complexity from our communication.

So, if you want to influence others, get support for your ideas, drive momentum to get things done, achieve your objectives, get more time back on your calendar, increase your satisfaction and improve your relationships with colleagues and customers alike, then focus on simplifying your message.

Simplicity doesn’t mean stupidity; it means clarity.

Until next time….