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Clarence Neese, Co-Founder and Vice President of Orbis Inc. brought a wealth of wisdom about leadership, adaptability, and thriving in an ever-changing work environment.
From discussing the simple days of "dropping in with bagels" to navigating the complexities of remote work, Clarence offered some thought-provoking insights for today’s leaders.
Here are three key highlights from our conversation, with practical tips for leaders and a little something to keep things fun in the workplace.
1. The Power of Adaptability
Clarence emphasized that if he could give every leader one magic power, it would be adaptability. In a world where technology, client expectations, and work environments are constantly shifting, being adaptable is essential for survival and success.
Leader Tip:
Build adaptability into your team culture. Start by encouraging flexible thinking through regular reflection sessions—ask your team what’s changing in the industry and how they can adjust to stay ahead. Encourage openness to change by modeling it yourself; don’t resist new processes or tools, but instead show curiosity and a willingness to learn.
How to Make it Fun:
Turn adaptability training into a game! Host "Improv Fridays" where the team faces fun, unexpected challenges to solve on the spot. These could be work-related or just team-building exercises, and the goal is to practice thinking on your feet and flexing those adaptability muscles in a low-stakes environment.
2. Communication is More Than Words
During the conversation, Clarence shared a moment of reflection, saying, "We all speak English, but I have no idea what you just said." This highlights the importance of clear communication, especially in today’s complex work environments where misunderstandings can lead to missed milestones or project failures.
Leader Tip:
Foster clearer communication by implementing regular check-ins with your team to ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. Create an environment where it's safe to ask for clarity, and don’t assume everyone knows what’s expected of them just because it was said once.
How to Make it Fun:
Create a "Lost in Translation" challenge! Have team members explain a complex project or concept in three different ways: in simple terms, as if they were explaining it to a child, and in industry jargon. This exercise highlights the importance of clear communication and helps everyone learn how to adjust their messaging for different audiences.
3. Do What’s Right, Not Self-Serving
Clarence shared a piece of advice he lives by: “Do what’s right, not self-serving, and work will follow.” As leaders, it’s easy to get caught up in short-term gains, but Clarence reminds us that long-term success comes from doing the right thing, even when it’s tough.
Leader Tip:
Lead with integrity by making decisions that prioritize your team’s well-being and your clients’ success. Establish a decision-making framework that values ethics and long-term outcomes over quick wins. Encourage transparency by creating a feedback loop where employees and clients can share concerns without fear of backlash.
How to Make it Fun:
Hold a "Good Decision of the Week" contest where team members nominate someone who made a decision that aligned with your company’s values. It could be as simple as handling a tough client call with grace or helping a coworker in need. The winner gets a fun prize, like a coveted parking spot or lunch on the company.
Our world is evolving faster than ever. Leaders must prioritize adaptability, clear communication, and ethical decision-making. Clarence's insights serve as a reminder that leadership is about more than just managing—it’s about leading the change with integrity, empathy, and a touch of fun!
Orbis Inc. helps asset managers and investors simplify the process of acquiring and managing large land holdings. From pre-sale due diligence and data management to property taxes and hunting leases, we streamline every step of land and natural resource management. All to help you fix time consuming processes, make smarter decisions and maximize the value of land assets.
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