In the context of presenting to executives, what does "go for the forest, not the trees" mean?

The phrase "go for the forest, not the trees" emphasizes the importance of focusing on the overarching concepts and the big picture rather than getting lost in the minutiae or detailed aspects of a presentation. When presenting to executives, who typically have limited time and are concerned with high-level strategy and outcomes, it is crucial to summarize key points succinctly and highlight how these points align with broader organizational goals. This approach allows decision-makers to grasp complex ideas quickly and engage with the strategic intent behind your presentation.

In this context, prioritizing the overall message over specific details effectively communicates value and relevance, ensuring that the audience understands the implications and strategic significance of the information being presented.