Minute With Mallon: Less Words, More Impact!

Welcome to Minute with Mallon! 

Something I Taught:

I was working this week with a client who is preparing to run for elected office. We were talking through strategy, positioning, messaging — all the moving parts that come with something that significant. At one point I asked him a simple question: What are the real differentiators? Why should someone vote for you instead of the person you’re running against?

Like most of us, he can sometimes use too many words. And when you’re standing in front of a group, or speaking one-on-one with someone, or answering a question on the fly, sometimes less really is more.

So I asked him to give me the three most important reasons he was running. What is the actual benefit to the people who would be voting for him? It took us about seven to ten minutes of refining and trimming, but we finally landed on five very specific reasons he should be elected. I wrote them down. Each one was only four to seven words long. He can elaborate on any of them when needed, but now he has anchors — clear, memorable statements he can frame in his mind and deliver with confidence.

It reminded me of something Winston Churchill did during World War II. At the height of the Blitz, when Germany was heavily bombing London and all the people were in great fear, Churchill spoke to a group of students. No one could see the future. No one knew how it would end. The nation needed courage.

He stepped up to the microphone, looked at the crowd for several seconds, and said, “Never give in.” He stepped back. Silence. Then he stepped forward again and said, “Never give in.” He stepped back once more, paused, and then repeated it again: “Never give in.” The audience erupted. And then he walked off the stage.

Those three words helped galvanize a nation.

As leaders, we sometimes think more words create more impact. Often it’s the opposite. The more concise we are, the more powerful we become.

Don’t pontificate. Don’t ramble. Don’t bury your message under layers of explanation.

What are you really trying to say? And how can you say it in the fewest words possible?

Before your next meeting or important conversation, write down your message in five words or less. If you can’t, you may not be clear yet. And clarity is what creates confidence — both for you and for the people you’re leading.

Something to Ponder:

“No one ever becomes the best version of themselves by themselves.”

(Which is why everyone needs a coach!) 

Dr. Wayne Chappelle

Something I Learned:

I was listening to a podcast recently about how to move someone from an emotional mindset to a practical one in a conversation. The concept was simple — and incredibly useful.

When someone tells you what’s blocking them, listen for the mindset. If they say, “Expenses are taking too much time,” they’re in a practical mindset. If they say, “I feeling nervous about being able to complete this project,” or "I'm feeling frustrated and drained," they’re in an emotional mindset. As leaders, we often make the mistake of jumping straight to solutions without first acknowledging where they actually are. 

The key is to match them first. Reflect what you’re hearing: “It sounds like this is affecting you emotionally,” or “It sounds like this is more of a logistical issue.” Then ask permission to shift: “Would it be okay if we talk about some possible solutions?” When people feel heard, they’re far more willing to move forward.

People don’t resist solutions — they resist not feeling understood.

Something I Saw:

Charleston, SC

I’m grateful you take a few minutes each week to grow alongside me.

Hope you have an incredible week! 

Robert