Siemens CEO Roland Busch shares seven strategies for getting things done
Siemens CEO Roland Busch has developed a set of personal routines to manage a demanding schedule, from keeping his email inbox under control to avoiding unnecessary meetings and planning parts of his day in advance.
Speaking to Business Insider, Busch said he receives about 200 emails a day but tries to keep fewer than 100 messages in his inbox at any time. He also keeps his email responses brief, with replies sometimes consisting only of “OK” or “No”. When a detailed response is needed, he sometimes dictates it while walking through the office.
Busch said that he does not hold recurring meetings with his direct reports. Instead, he asks them to approach him when they need his input. The frequency can vary considerably, depending on what needs to be addressed. “I don’t need to entertain people, and they don’t need to entertain me,” he said.
His approach to difficult decisions is influenced by his training in theoretical physics, Busch said. Rather than treating every detail as equally important, he tries to break a complicated issue down and identify the variables that matter most. His 32 years at Siemens, including assignments involving turnarounds and troubled businesses, have given him repeated experience in tackling difficult situations.
Busch also said that he prepares for some routine decisions beforehand. His alarm is set for 6 a.m., and he aims to reach the gym by 6:30 a.m. To make the morning easier, he puts out his workout clothes the previous night.
His travel routine follows a similar principle. Busch said he adjusts his approach depending on the direction of travel. On westbound flights, he tries to stay awake or limits his nap to one or two hours, while eastbound journeys generally involve taking a night flight and sleeping as much as possible.
Despite his emphasis on efficiency, Busch also has a way of separating himself from work. He recently resumed playing the guitar after leaving it aside for decades. He said that even 20 minutes of playing can alter his mood because it demands his concentration.
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First Published onAugust 30, 2026, 10:16:01 IST
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