This graphic cought my eye. It was on Linked-in. No-one doubts the value of keeping things simple, but simplicity is; paradoxically, hard to achieve. One might venture to say simplicity is “complex”. Keeping our messages simple and clear is a challenge we all face daily. Be it a sales message, creative pitch, reporting to the boss – messaging is hard. Should there exist a (complex) system for simplifying messaging? I say YES! And it should not be that complex…..maybe a little. We shall see.Simplicity is a concept we all strive for, yet achieving it can be surprisingly complex. Whether it’s conveying a sales pitch, presenting a creative idea, or reporting to our superiors, crafting clear and concise messages poses a daily challenge. Is there a method for simplifying messaging without adding unnecessary complexity? I believe there is, and it shouldn’t be overly complicated… perhaps just a tad. Let’s explore.
“Simplicity is Complex”
Me, just now.
1- The Hedgehog Knows One Thing
In his book “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t,” author James C. Collins illustrates the point that the Hedgehog has one clear strategy that consistently works, while the Fox has many plans. When it comes to getting your message across, adopt the Hedgehog mindset. Lead with what’s proven to work. Elevator pitches thrive with this approach, especially when paired with a compelling hook. For example, phrases like “It’s like UBER for hairdressers” or “Netflix for E-Learning” instantly resonate with people, even if the concept is more nuanced.
2- The Mouse Trap Principle
The mouse trap exemplifies the principle of irreducible complexity in engineering. Remove any component, and it ceases to function. While some argue that cars contain redundant parts, the distinction lies in the organization of these components into systems. These systems, whether independent or interdependent, benefit greatly from the principle of irreducible complexity. The same applies to messaging.
Let me break it down for you…
…You got to break it down. Your messaging. Truncate the Capitol T out of it! Simplify your messaging, following the Hedgehog’s lead with proven strategies. Then, streamline it further, ensuring the message remains coherent, akin to the Mousetrap principle. Here’s a bonus tip: Avoid bombarding recipients with multiple questions in a single email. Stick to one topic per email. This approach not only spares the reader and yourself from frustration but also helps prioritize what truly matters.