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Podcast Summary: Words of Wisdom with Dan Adler - Always return calls on the same day!
In the complex and often high-stakes world of business transformation, there’s no shortage of critical decisions, emotional stakes, and, often, an atmosphere of ambiguity. Like navigating a fog-shrouded sea, professionals in private equity, M&A, and business transformation find that clear communication acts as a powerful beacon. And in today’s digital age, where inboxes overflow and the “send” button is often hit too hastily, it can be tempting to rely on email or defer calls. But as Dan Adler, partner at Apiary Capital, shared in the latest episode of the How2-Change Words of Wisdom podcast, one straightforward approach can bring unparalleled clarity: “Always return someone’s call on the same day they reach out.”
This simple but effective principle is more than just good manners. It’s a strategy that clears the fog of business uncertainty. Here, we explore why prioritising direct communication matters, especially when leading or supporting organisations through complex transitions.
Imagine you’re steering a ship through dense fog, knowing that every delay could drift you off course. When it comes to business decisions, responding swiftly to concerns is akin to switching on a powerful lighthouse. This clarity serves both the individual returning the call and the person on the other end. Why? Because many issues that feel overwhelming in isolation lose their weight when approached with a real-time conversation.
In transformation scenarios, delayed responses can turn small issues into significant hurdles. Adler’s advice underscores a critical truth in leadership and consulting: issues left to “stew” often become disproportionately complex. By addressing concerns promptly, leaders can keep their mental bandwidth focused on long-term strategy rather than immediate anxieties. We often say to Project Teams and Exec Teams in client organisations that whilst conventional wisdom may evoke a quote of “bring me a solution rather than a problem” we’d always far rather know quickly about problems, address them and provide a “no nasty surprises” service to our clients.
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While email offers convenience, it lacks a crucial element – tone. In written exchanges, crucial subtleties can get lost, leading to misunderstandings or escalating tensions. A voice conversation, on the other hand, instantly humanises the exchange, making it easier to grasp unspoken nuances and get to the heart of an issue.
In the words of Adler, “Tone doesn’t come through in email, sentiment doesn’t come through in email.” Leaders overseeing high-stakes business transformation efforts must recognise this distinction. An email chain may appear efficient, but phone calls cut through emotional fog, particularly when dealing with sensitive topics or fast-evolving challenges. Returning a call conveys respect and a willingness to invest time, building trust—an invaluable asset when navigating change.
Adler also pointed out a modern epidemic in communication: the “lazy CC.” In fast-paced corporate environments, there’s a tendency to include multiple parties on email threads, leading to unnecessary complications and expectations. The CC function, often used for transparency, can unintentionally create foggy scenarios where too many individuals are left questioning their roles and next steps.
Through direct calls, professionals can strip away these layers of confusion, reducing the mental load and bypassing unnecessary inbox clutter. One-on-one conversations empower leaders to handle sensitive discussions directly, ensuring solutions are timely and relevant. Rather than allowing “fog” to build around critical issues, leaders can clear a direct path, cutting out ambiguity.
At How2-Change, we understand that the success of any transformation effort rests heavily on the clarity and reliability of communication. Our How2-Change Reality Check® goes beyond strategy and execution. It plays a vital role pre-deal, offering invaluable insights and a structured approach to due diligence, synergy modelling, and efficient governance frameworks.
By engaging early, we help clients “kick the tyres” on potential deals, ensuring a comprehensive review of financials, strategic fit, and realistic synergy projections. This early involvement enables open channels for clear communication, providing both buyer and seller teams with the transparency they need. How2-Change Reality Check® also helps clients establish governance mechanisms, ensuring the right people are in place, and communication flows smoothly for timely decision-making and action.
In a world where delay and ambiguity can derail deals or stifle their success, our methodology serves as a proactive shield. It’s a blueprint that guides the flow of information, decision-making, and execution in real-time, helping teams adapt seamlessly and progress with confidence.
In an era where digital convenience has made communication both easier and more complex, the choice to pick up the phone is increasingly rare, and powerful. For leaders guiding organisations through change, Adler’s advice is a reminder that the simplest actions often yield the clearest path forward.
So, the next time your phone rings, think of it as a beacon cutting through the fog. It’s an opportunity to bring clarity, build trust, and reinforce your commitment to transparent leadership. After all, as every transformation professional knows, small, clear steps pave the way for monumental change.
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