By Tom Knox
“Here’s what I’m going to tell you, now here’s what I told you.”
Over the years, I’ve learned that business has a way of making things more complicated than they need to be. We’re swimming in updates, news, data, jargon, and context. So much so that the actual message gets lost. My philosophy has always been the opposite: keep it simple, make it clear, and ensure it works.
That’s the way I’ve led conversations for decades, and it’s the foundation for how we guide employers at Pinpoint.
Keep It Simple, Make It Clear
Anyone who’s worked with me knows I follow a straightforward pattern: Here’s what I’m going to tell you. Now here’s what I told you.
It may sound repetitive, but repetition builds clarity—and clarity builds confidence. I’d much rather have someone walk away thinking, “I get it. That makes sense,” than leave them guessing. When you simplify the message, people don’t just hear you; they trust you and trust is paramount (see our blog “Believability: The Currency of Leadership).
Why Simplicity Matters
Employers today are buried under data, reports, and fine print. Too often, they don’t really know what they’re paying for when it comes to benefits. That’s where simplicity becomes more than a nice-to-have, it becomes a competitive edge.
At Pinpoint, we cut through the noise. We show employers, in plain terms, what their dollars are doing and where they could be working harder. When you understand the numbers, you can actually do something about them. That’s power.
Ensure It Works
Of course, a clear message means nothing if the solution doesn’t deliver. The third part of my philosophy is about results: ensure it works.
That’s why Pinpoint doesn’t stop at explaining, we provide actionable insights. Not vague metrics, not generic advice, but information employers can use immediately to make better decisions for their business and their people.
A Final Thought
Practical simplicity isn’t about dumbing things down. It’s about making the complex understandable and useful. It’s about giving people confidence to act.
That’s how I’ve always approached communication, and that’s how Pinpoint approaches helping employers. Because when you keep it simple, make it clear, and ensure it works—you don’t just explain things. You give people an advantage.
Let’s chat – I’d love to hear about your experiences with simplicity.
