Q3 2025 VP Corner
By Mark Silverman, Troutman Pepper Locke
I recently read an Inc. article by David Finkel, “Stop Rewarding Urgency and Build a Culture That Prioritizes Value Instead” about how organizations can get trapped in “urgency culture” – where speed becomes the metric of success, rather than the quality or impact of what is being done. Given what is at stake in our typical workday, urgency is sometimes a necessity. That said, if the quick response lacks strategic thinking, precision, or insight, aren’t we doing ourselves a disservice?
How can you be highly responsive while also adding immense value? In my view, communication is essential. It is imperative to be highly communicative with both good and bad news. Leverage the expertise of your team. If you are the most junior person on a deal team, and you notice that an internal update was sent, but some information has not yet been shared to the full client group – say something. Drawing on the collective knowledge of the team and sharing those insights will increase speed and efficiency while also adding value. Also focus on the outcome of the communication – what is the goal? Is it to simply inform? Is it to ask for additional information? Lengthy emails can have their message missed – would a TL;DR headline help? These are questions to think through with every piece of communication. Urgency is not going away. That said, it must be balanced with strategic value.
How does this tie to the TMA? The organization is run by volunteers who are incredibly busy turnaround professionals. They have their attention pulled in many directions at all times. That said, I have been fortunate to have a front-seat to watch these highly successful individuals build each other up, help each other out, and push each other forward at every step. Watching the golf outing plans come together, along with awards and ESF is like watching a carefully orchestrated ballet – precision met with speed and value-add. The TMA does this through empathetic servant leadership with fantastic support (h/t to Glatz Management Services).
Transitioning from a culture of urgency to one that prioritizes highly responsive, high-value outcomes is not only beneficial, but essential in today’s fast-paced restructuring environment. Keep communication clear. Leverage your team. Maintain strategic focus. Shift your mindset to create value in every communication. Then use these skills to add value to the Chicago/Midwest TMA!
