Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Hagrid's Advice

In the fifth book of the Harry Potter stories, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the character Hagrid is sent as an ambassador to persuade the Giants to join the fight against the evil wizard, Voldemort.

His job is unusually difficult. Giants are known for being stupid and violent.

After Hagrid returns from his mission -- visibly bruised and battered -- he offers the following explanation that is useful advice for anyone involved in tricky negotiations, "If you overload them with information, they'll kill you just to keep things simple."

That's good advice for CEOs, economists, and anyone else making a presentation.

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