One-Pagers for executives changes everything

Some months ago, I began requesting and delivering written 1-2 pagers instead of PowerPoint slides and it changed everything.

So many times I see copy-pasted charts in PowerPoint with little or no comments. No direction. Then, my imagination is left to fill in the gaps.

Is this data chart per capita? Where did it come from? Is it complete? Are we making a decision here or is this for my information only?

For some time now I have been only delivering 1-2 pagers in a written format. I make them as concise as possible with an emphasis on compelling and data-driven facts. Don’t write three sentences when one will do.

The basic format I follow is…

1. Set intention –  “The intention of the document is to…”
2. Get to the point –  “Why is it important, what will happen if we don’t take this decision…”
3. Lay out the options, orderly –  “The options we have today are…. And in the future will be…”

The feedback received from stakeholders was that it was a step change.

PowerPoint has its place, but one-pagers will change everything.