Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Siemens CEO Busch Uses Two-Word Emails to Boost Efficiency
Siemens CEO Busch tries to save time by keeping emails very short.
Sometimes his entire reply is just “OK” or “No.”
His team has been taught to communicate in the same concise way.
When a longer answer is needed, he dictates it while walking.
Busch also avoids regular one-on-one meetings with senior employees.
Instead, they visit him when they have something important to discuss.
He says physics helps him simplify difficult decisions by focusing on the most important facts.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang uses a different version of a similar approach by discussing problems with a larger leadership group.
Siemens CEO Busch manages email volume by replying quickly with very few words.
He may answer detailed messages with “OK” or “No,” while dictating longer replies as he walks.
Busch does not schedule recurring one-on-one meetings with direct reports, using an open-door approach instead.
Busch joined Siemens in 1994, became CEO in 2021, and holds a Ph.D. in physics.
Siemens’ shares have more than doubled since 2021, and the company is valued at about $251 billion.
- Who
- Siemens CEO Busch and his senior team; Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is cited as a comparable example.
- What
- Busch uses very brief email replies, avoids recurring one-on-one meetings, and focuses on direct, need-based communication.
- When
- Busch joined Siemens in 1994 and became CEO in 2021; Huang’s approach was discussed earlier this year on the Lex Fridman Podcast.
- Where
- At Siemens, with Huang’s comparable management approach discussed on the Lex Fridman Podcast.
- Why
- Busch says the approach helps manage communication volume and avoid meetings held only because they are scheduled.
- Company
- Siemens
- Company valuation
- About $251 billion
- Busch’s Siemens start
- 1994
- Busch became CEO
- 2021
- Email examples
- “OK” or “No”
- Meeting policy
- No recurring one-on-one meetings with direct reports
- Leadership comparison
- Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang reportedly has about 60 direct reports and addresses problems collectively