Getting your team back to work in the office has been a challenge for business leaders since 2020. Over the past few years, today’s guest on The Clarity Advisors Show has successfully navigated the transition of his team back to almost completely on-site work.
Nelson Wilner is vice president of Kawasaki Engines USA. In this episode, Nelson tells host Ken Trupke how communication, flexibility, and culture were keys to the process.
Timestamps
(00:20): Introduction.
(01:01): About Kawasaki Engines USA.
(00:27): Nelson Wilner’s background.
(02:11): About Nelson’s team at Kawasaki.
(02:45): Update on the transition back to on-site work.
(05:03): Benefits of a team working together in person .
(06:07): Lessons learned during the transition.
(07:38): Handling employees opposed to returning to the office.
(09:28): Importance of culture.
(12:26): Attracting and retaining talent.
(19:05): Flexibility is key.
(23:58): How to connect with Nelson Wilner.
Episode Quotes
“We knew all along we wanted to come back and we needed to come back.”
“The best thing that we learned was we had to go with our gut instinct. We knew that the best thing was to be together.”
“We were ahead of the curve and we were right. And our team has really done very, very well by being back together again.”
“We try to make a small company out of a big company.”
“At the company interview, we have to be honest. We have to be transparent. We have to set expectations of what we want. And again, if it’s a match, if it’s a fit, then that’s great. If it’s not, it’s OK.”
“We have to make good on that promise that when they get here it is as promised and that we’re not different in the interviews as we are in real life.”
“Flexibility is really important. I believe that we’re at a good place right now that is comfortable for both the employee and the employer.”
Recommended Reading and Listening
- The Clarity Advisors Show Episode 12: Nelson Wilner – Building relationships and trust within teams
- Clarity Advisors Reading List
Connect with Nelson Wilner
Connect with Ken Trupke
- Email: ken@clarityadvisors.io
- Website: ClarityAdvisors.io
- Ken Trupke on LinkedIn
