Significant Career Lesson From a Mergers and Acquisitions Manager at Zillow Group
A significant career lesson learned by the senior M&A and Partnership Integration Manager at Zillow Group is the importance of attention to detail, emphasizing "measuring twice and cutting once" to avoid errors with potentially serious consequences. This meticulous approach is crucial in their high-stakes role, ensuring confidence in work product and effective communication with upper management and external partners.
Attention to Detail, Communication, Decision-Making, Executive Communication, Problem-Solving
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Greyson Gardlik
Sr. M&A and Partnership Integration Manager
Zillow Group
University of Arizona
N/A
Business Management & Admin, Entrepreneurship
Real Estate, Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Business Strategy
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Attention to detail is crucial, especially when working with high-level stakeholders and in fast-paced environments like M&A.
2. Taking the time to thoroughly review work, even if it means slowing down, can prevent costly mistakes and maintain credibility.
3. This lesson emphasizes the importance of accuracy and precision in communication, especially when dealing with sensitive information or complex transactions, and is applicable to many careers beyond M&A.
Transcript
What is one lesson that you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
One lesson I learned from an old director or VP is to take the time to make sure something is right before sending it out or making rash decisions. This requires attention to detail, even when moving quickly.
It's always better to "measure twice and cut once." Taking a step back to understand whatever decision you're making, email you're sending, or slide deck you're creating is key.
Ensuring you have confidence in the work product you put out there is really important. This is especially true in my line of work, where a number off on a slide could lead to significant problems.
Attention to detail is critical, particularly when dealing with stakeholders at the upper end of the organizational chart. This principle applies to many aspects of what I do.
We need to be buttoned up internally and when communicating with a target. This includes deal terms and integration plans, which must be crisp to avoid many questions and further scrutiny.
Attention to detail is huge. I've learned this the hard way a couple of times and try to resist moving too quickly or rashly, although sometimes it's necessary to move fast.
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