PwC's US CEO thought fewer emails were better. Then he heard from employees.

PwC's US CEO, Paul Griggs, initially believed that fewer emails would be more effective. However, feedback from employees led him to reconsider his approach. Griggs, who has been with the firm for over three decades, admitted that he had been communicating less than his staff preferred. He realized he had a bias against excessive communication and had grown tired of lengthy emails.

To address this, Griggs began to simplify communication and slow it down. He understood that not everyone needs to agree with every decision, but they do need to comprehend the reasoning behind it. This realization led him to emphasize the importance of leadership and communication in his role. Griggs appreciated the firm's environment where leaders were open to changing their minds based on feedback.

He also learned that it's beneficial to share messages multiple times, using different styles and mediums. Despite initially being resistant to the idea of over-communication, Griggs now recognizes the value of frequent communication. He acknowledged that while he doesn't expect everyone to agree with every decision, understanding the rationale is crucial. This shift in his communication approach is part of his ongoing efforts to improve leadership and foster better understanding within the organization.