Leadership: The Art of Being Brief

I've never heard anyone complain about a meeting or presentation that was too short, have you?

My friend, Marty, and I were just discussing a surgical procedure. He may have to have the same one that I experienced a few years ago. Marty is a very intelligent, thoughtful guy who asks the right kinds of questions. But his most animated question was: "How long does it take?!"

I laughed, given that the Doc could probably make it last for about a week and a half depending upon the anesthesiologist's mood and sense of humor. 

But the real answer was '45 minutes'.

He looked relieved. And it occurred to me: I had actually asked my doctor the same question. Even though we know we'll be sound asleep we seem to have a sense of, and concern for, time.

 So…have you filtered your meeting-thinking or presentation prep the same way? Could you say and accomplish more with less?

The Leader's Guide to Slide Surgery

1. Do I need so many slides? (You don't).

2. Do I need every slide in this section? (Probably not).

3. Do I need this slide? ( I don't know, but you should be sure).

4. What can I say with fewer words? (You'll feel the love).

Your group will appreciate the brevity. This reflects preparation on your part that translates into respect for them. You'll also create the kind of "meeting white space" that generates the real discussion needed to make something happen.

What will you eliminate?

Bonus Leadership Reading: Check out how you view leaders and the notion of "institutionalizing them" at Managing Leadership. Jim Stroup will give you something to ponder.

Comments

[Becky Robinson]

Always useful, Steve. Now I really have to get my husband to read your stuff. When he was a pastor, he did everything he could to make meetings as short and purposeful as possible. I like the idea of considering every slide to see if it is really important.

[Steve Roesler]

Becky,

There's probably a good reason that best-selling authors tout the expertise of their editors!

[Tanmay Vora]

Hi Steve - Effective communication is always brief. Be it meeting, writing, interaction or presentation. I wrote in my recent blog post that a meeting that goes beyond 60 minutes is an ineffective meeting.

Team almost always appreciates brief meetings, presentations and interactions.

Brevity is the king. Well written!

[Utpal Vaishnav]

Hi Steve,

To me, the meaning of the word “brief” is being more brain-friendly.

Human brain can remember bullet points easily rather than paragraphs. Similarly, well-formed and briefly communicated message reaches to the masses and remembered easily. That’s why masses get influenced by such messages.

Leadership means art of being influential; nothing more, nothing less.

Regards,
Utpal