📖 The Pyramid Principle

1978. Barbara Minto

The Minto Pyramid is a framework for structured thinking and communication. A way to order the content of “everyday business documents” like reports or presentations, commonly used by consultants for client presentations.

Basic concept

At its core is a simple idea that the presentation logic should look like a pyramid. The main recommendation is on top, which is built on mid-level recommendations, each of which contain supporting points.

Overview

Start with the answer first.

Don’t build up to a conclusion but rather should start with the answer to the client’s question first, and then list your supporting arguments after. You create a pyramid of ideas which are held together by a single thought.

Group and summarize your supporting arguments.

Ideas in writing should always form a pyramid under a single thought.

Logically order your supporting ideas.

Each recommendation should have supporting points containing the associated information (data, analysis, insights, benchmarks, conclusions, etc.) which follow a logical layout. Like example below:

Writing

Minto documented the process in a book in 1987, the Pyramid Principle, and updated it later in 2010 with The Minto Pyramid Principle: Logic in Writing, Thinking and Problem Solving.

Application

As a consultant herself, the pyramid is most commonly used by consultants. Minto’s writing on the pyramid has typically been required reading for new hires in the big consultancies, and has essentially defined the way consultants structure most of their presentations.

Pros

• Cuts straight to the point. Considered an efficient way to communicate with busy executives and allows you to say what you want to say before audience starts asking questions.
• The logic is easy to follow. “I recommend A,B,C. Recommendation A is supported by points 1,2,3”.
• By giving the recommendation and logic up front, it allows the audience to focus on the areas they have the most interest.
• It forces the writer to structure the narrative around the most essential parts (no long-winded prose and rambling slides).

Cons

• Concerned more with structuring a response, than with formulating one, and thus will limit the quality of the work if used too early in the process.
• Based around a more transactional approach of recommendations, as opposed to more experiential approach of collaborative experimentation.

Who was Minto?

The concept was developed by Barbara Minto who was a McKinsey consultant in the 70s. Another reason she’s important was her level of contribution as a woman. She went to Harvard Business School without an undergrad degree and was the first female Consultant at McKinsey & Company.