There’s an amusing video doing the rounds comparing the simplicity of Apple’s iPod packaging to how Microsoft would package it. If you haven’t seen it yet have a look at it by clicking here:

However, while I was watching it I couldn’t help but reflect on how easy it is to lose our leadership message in much the same way.

When we lose focus on the essence of our vision and start adding all the details that seem necessary at the time, it is easy to communicate less rather than more.

It has been said that the success of strategy lies in what we say no to, rather than what we do do. Likewise as a leader, consistent communication of our core vision and values can have more impact and power than detailed directions.