McKinsey Pyramid Communication

The McKinsey Pyramid Principle is a communication framework that emphasizes starting with your conclusion first, then supporting it with reasons. It's particularly effective in business settings.

Core Communication Structure

• Start with the conclusion/recommendation first
• Support with 2-3 key reasons
• Back each reason with evidence/data
• Avoid burying the lead or telling a chronological story

Key Benefits

• Helps busy executives quickly grasp main points
• Makes communication more clear and actionable
• Shows confidence in your recommendation
• Demonstrates structured thinking

Implementation Tips

• Frame your message as "My recommendation is X for these three reasons..."
• Make your conclusion clear and actionable
• Support with evidence but don't overwhelm with details
• Keep supporting points focused and relevant
• Make it easy for busy people to understand quickly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Starting with background information
• Burying key conclusions at the end
• Not having clear supporting evidence
• Using chronological storytelling format
• Making people wait for the main point

Example Structure

• Lead with: "My recommendation is..."
• Follow with: "For these reasons..."
• Support with: "We have evidence showing..."
• End with: "Therefore we should..."

When to Use

• Business presentations
• Executive communications
• Internal memos
• Decision-making meetings
• Any situation where time is valuable

The principle emphasizes that in business settings, you want to give people the answer first, then explain how you got there - not the other way around.