Unlocking Success with the Minto Pyramid Principle

One of the most impactful and practical books in my career was Barbara Minto's "The Minto Pyramid Principle: Logic in Writing, Thinking, and Problem Solving," published in 1996. The author, who was hired by McKinsey & Company in 1963, holds the distinction of being the first female MBA at the company. The pyramid principle emphasizes that our thinking becomes much more understandable to readers or listeners if we present our perspective in a well-organized pyramid structure (MECE: Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) centered around a single issue. I encountered this principle and its related techniques for the first time in my mid-30s (which I considered somewhat late). It took me nearly 10 years to become adept at applying the principle effectively. Believe it or not, this principle has proven highly effective in advancing work and solving management problems. Personally, I still strongly believe that it should be a mandatory subject in training for all young staff members of any organizations.

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