Do you MAKE this MISTAKE in the BOARDROOM?
“Few things seem to get CEOs riled up more than lengthy PowerPoint presentations. It’s not the software they dislike: that’s just a tool.
What irks them is the unfocused thinking
that leads to overlong slide presentations. There is wide agreement it’s a problem: “death by PowerPoint” has become a cliché.”
Do you make the mistake of unfocused thinking prior to your boardroom presentations?
The above quotes are listed under the heading of ‘A simple mindset’ – one of five qualities that Adam Bryant maintains the best CEOs share, in his article Distilling the Wisdom of CEOs.
The other four qualities are: ‘Passionate Curiosity’, ‘Battle-Hardened Confidence’, ‘Team Smarts’ and ‘Fearlessness’ (The article was adapted from Bryant’s book, The Corner Office: Indispensable and Unexpected Lessons from CEOs on How to Lead and Succeed, Times Books).
The phrase “unfocused thinking’ resonates with me. Many business people don’t think enough, or think in a sloppy manner – prior to a business pitch or before a boardroom presentation – about what is the key message(s) they want the audience to retain and/or act upon.
Of course, they also have to deliver the message with conviction, and simplicity throughout the presentation. If they did think – they’d cut down, and in some cases not need PowerPoint slides when they present.
Own the Conversation
- Before you next presentation/boardroom pitch take 10 extra minutes to chisel up to three bullet point, key messages you want the audience to retain and/or act upon.
- Read Bryant’s article and/or put it in your ‘to be read’ file.
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p.s. Here is a post on a question to ask to give your pitch an edge
p.p.s. This is my last post for the year. I appreciate you taking time to read the posts throughout 2019. Thank you.
Posts will resume in February 2020.
Nothing but the best for an abundance of good things in 2020!
Michael K
