The pyramid principle was proposed by barbara minto in 1973。
She was the first woman consultant at mckinsey consulting, specializing in logical thinking and expression。
Pyramid principles later became a standard communication framework for top global consulting firms, investment banks and internet companies。
What's the pyramid principle
"anything needs to be done by highlighting the central arguments, then supporting them with arguments, and ultimately by setting up a logical framework with clear priorities."
In simple terms — conclusions go first, followed by clustering, logical evolution。
Core:
- conclusions first: conclusions first, reasons later
- above: upper level conclusions lead to lower level theory according to
- grouping in general: grouping of the same type of arguments
- logical progression: each layer of view is in logical order
- no repetition: mece principle (independent, completely exhausted)
Pyramid structure:
- top: core point
- towers: support arguments (2-7, usually 3)
- taki: facts, data, cases
Recent cases:
- mckinsey/bcg: put the conclusions on the first page
- byte beat: okr first order o and kr later
2026 a. I.: the core of hint engineering - first to the core, then to the layer
A reminder for you:
- communication: what do you say first
- writing: conclusions in the first paragraph
- reporting: the boss only cares about conclusions
# mckenzie consulting methodology
