How to Coach Yourself and Others Essential Knowledge For Coaching | 页面 588

4.43 The Minto Pyramid Principle
… or the case for hierarchically structured thinking and communication
Imagine you receive this letter from Lucy.
What does she want to tell you?
Dear Shirley,
Remember last Saturday afternoon when I was playing in the park with
my boyfriend and you came over, and he told me that when my back
was turned, you kissed him?
And also, on Sunday when you came to my house and my Mom made
you a tuna fish salad for lunch and you said: “Yech! That’s the worst
salad I ever ate!”?
And yesterday, when my cat brushed against your leg, you kicked her
and threatened to sic your dog “Monster” on her?
Well, for all of these reasons, I hate you, and I no longer want to be your
friend.
Lucy
Wouldn‘t the message be far clearer if the letter were written that way?
Dear Shirley,
I HATE you.

(Main statement or “governing thought)

Here are my reasons:

(Reasons supporting the governing thought)

1. You stole my boyfriend.
2. You insulted my mother.
3. You scared my cat.

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