It briefs well...
"Clear thinkers take feedback from reality, not society." Naval Ravikant
Ah, Microsoft PowerPoint. What gem of a product. The bane of my existence in 3 decades of military service. I've spent many an early morning or late evening creating a PowerPoint presentation to 'sell' the boss or a group on an idea, show progress on a project, or teach a class. Did you know there is such a thing as a PowerPoint Ranger? It is defined in Wiktionary as, A person with a desk job who tends to produce computerized slide presentations rather than doing anything more useful.
I don't consider myself to be a PowerPoint Ranger as I believe I'm producing something useful and realistic. Therein lies the challenge - what exists on a slide versus what is reality. Hence the term, "it briefs well." While humorous, "it briefs well," is an effective way to add a dose of reality to an idea. It is relatively easy to present a convincing idea on a slide or, moreover, engage in self-delusion believing a concept has merit. It is harder to do the analysis to determine if it does.
"It briefs well," serves me well as a leader but I use it more subconsciously. It can absolutely take the wind out of someone's sails, and stifle the imagination and innovation so important in today's workplace. I use it judiciously, usually when I'm presented something which lacks analysis. "This briefs very well but what thought has gone into execution?" "Have you shared this with the folks who will execute it for a reality check?" These are ways in which I might use the term. If and when I do use it, I'm always ready to coach and teach my people - to help them see the reality of what they are presenting or to include more or the right people when flushing out an idea or concept.
Leadership is often a lonely business. It is our role as leaders to be the only person in the room thinking differently, more strategic perhaps. It is our duty to be a good steward of limited resources such as time or money. The concept of, "it briefs well," can help us in our stewardship.
Use it, but use it carefully.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell