The pursuit of simplicity is something I try to incorporate into all aspects of my life, especially in business. Here’s one of my favorite quotes on the topic:

“Insecure managers create complexity. Frightened, nervous managers use thick, convoluted planning books and busy slides filled with everything they’ve known since childhood. Real leaders don’t need clutter. People must have the self-confidence to be clear, precise, to be sure that every person in their organization – highest to lowest – understands what the business is trying to achieve. But it’s not easy. You can’t believe how hard it is for people to be simple, how much they fear being simple. They worry that if they’re simple, people will think they’re simple-minded. In reality, of course, it’s just the reverse. Clear, tough-minded people are the most simple.” – Jack Welch, interviewed by Harvard Business Journal

Throughout my business career, I’ve had numerous opportunities to present a deal summary or program update to a steering committee or executive sponsor. While most of my peers would present 20-40 PowerPoint slides with impressive graphics and loads of information, I set myself apart by bringing one sheet of paper in memo format. No graphics, no unnecessary information. Just the relevant information.

I was lucky enough to have a boss early in my career who said “first, don’t come into my office unless you can tell me 1) what are the facts, 2) what do they mean, and 3) what do we do. Second, if you can’t fit it on 1-2 pages, you haven’t thought about it enough.” I took this to heart and have applied it since.

Here’s what I have found. Initially, executives would challenge facts and assumptions on my one sheet of paper. I would always have additional information with me to back up my claims and recommendations. Over time, they realized I had my act together and stopped challenging the content and started focusing on the decision at hand and my recommendation. Additionally, executives don’t have time to read 20-40 page presentations. They want you to get to the point and keep the conversation focused on the important items to be discussed and decisions to be made. They will appreciate it when you value their time and focus the time on the high value topics.

If you haven’t taken this approach, give it a shot and see if you get similar results. If anything, it will set you apart from the crowd of paper-pushers.