Why email is a terrible way to communicate, why clarity matters, and why you should still pick up the phone if you want to lead. A chautauqua on leadership and communication from Apple Spice’s front lines.
Chautauquas are little riffs or reflections I write on life, work, leadership, and how to be a better human. It’s my nod to one of the most influential books I’ve ever read, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.
We’re in the middle of relocating Apple Spice, and I’ve got a few thoughts on communication—mainly because I’m neck-deep in a situation that shows exactly what not to do.
We’re working with an architect. Nice guy. But the dude sent me a bill for work I’m not even 100% satisfied with. We’re still trying to figure out how to fit existing equipment—like our ovens and steam kettles—into the new layout. New place runs on gas, our current setup is electric. Not minor stuff.
When I called him about it, his response?
“I was waiting on you to tell me how you want the kitchen laid out.”
My guy… I’ve never built a commercial kitchen before. We bought Apple Spice as a turn-key operation. This is your lane. I’m expecting you to guide the process. Bring best practices. Offer options. Ask questions. Don’t just sit back waiting for me to drop blueprints from heaven.
So I told him—we’re done with email.
We need to meet face-to-face.
Because here’s the truth:
1. Email is a terrible way to communicate
It’s convenient, sure. But tone gets lost. Intent gets misread. Urgency evaporates. You can’t influence or clarify or course-correct efficiently. It’s a game of telephone with none of the charm.
2. Set clear expectations
If you don’t spell out what you need, you’re setting yourself up for a slow-motion disaster. The corollary is this: hire hard, manage easy. That goes for contractors, employees, freelancers—everyone. Lay the groundwork early or get ready for a mess later.
3. Pick up the damn phone
Text and email have their place. But when something matters—really matters—you need tone. Pace. Energy. Urgency. And even better? Sit across from someone. Look them in the eye. Share space. Because face-to-face, you can create a vibe—and that vibe gets things done.
We’ve got a tight deadline. A big vision. And I’m not about to let poor communication be the reason we miss either.
If you want to lead, run a business, or frankly just be a decent human being—then communicate like you give a damn.
And here’s a little reflection to take with you:
Think about the last few problems in your life.
Were they really about skill or resources?
Or did they stem from a lack of communication or unclear expectations?
Statements like
👉 “I’m expecting you to…”
👉 “When you say that, I hear…”
are deceptively simple, but incredibly powerful.
They get your point across without making someone feel like you’re steamrolling them.
They create space for clarity, not conflict.
So the next time you’re tempted to fire off an email and cross your fingers—pause.
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