A simple framework to convince any CEO of anything

As designers, we usually focus on building up momentum. We explain the reasoning and facts that led us to an answer and then explain the solution, but I’ve usually been confronted with a very different model that works more effectively while presenting to CEOs or other players who hold in their hands budget distribution.

The central framework is called the Pyramid principle. The idea is to flip the status quo and show the answer to the problem right away, and then explain the reasoning that got you there with supporting information. usually execs don’t have much time, so you need to hit them fast with your solution in order for them to keep their interest.

Heres an example of how the pyramid looks like :

Always answer the most important question that has been brought up to you by the exec. This question should be your priority, this is what you have been paid for, so deliver it as fast and as clearly as you can. The supportive arguments to this question must be cristal clear, have the same level of importance between them, fact based and must be able to stand on their own without overlapping. And most importantly, don’t restate facts, tell…