S3 E3 Creating a Kind Workplace: Michael G. Neece on Leading with Kindness

michael g. neece

Kindness and Success in Remote Work

In a recent episode of the Work From Home Forever podcast, Michael G. Neece, President of Our Future Is Kind, shared insights about his journey and the importance of kindness in professional settings.

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S3 E3 Creating a Kind Workplace: Michael G. Neece on Leading with Kindness – Work From Home Forever

In this episode of the Work From Home Forever podcast, we interview Michael G. Neece, President of Our Future Is Kind. Neece shares his journey and emphasizes the importance of kindness in the workplace. He discusses the advantages of working remotely, including less commuting and more family time, but also highlights the challenges, such as setting boundaries at home. Neece stresses the need for clear communication with colleagues and family to ensure balance. He also dives into his company’s mission of building a kinder world through corporate and individual actions. He believes that fostering kindness in work environments leads to better productivity and innovation. His advice includes regular check-ins with coworkers, being proactive in communication, and finding champions within the organization to support you. Neece also emphasizes the value of psychological safety, trust, and empathy in remote work. For remote professionals, Neece suggests using tools like a pocket notebook for capturing ideas, managing time well, and maintaining strong team connections through empathy and consistent communication. Overall, the interview highlights how kindness can transform both personal and professional lives, helping to create a more effective and harmonious work environment. Connect with Michael: Website: Our Future Is Kind LinkedIn: Michael Neece ________________________  Do you love the show? Check out our⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠official merch page⁠⁠⁠ ⁠on Etsy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and support the show! ________________________

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Meet Michael Neece

Michael, who runs a company aimed at fostering a kinder world through individual and corporate actions, discussed the benefits and challenges of working from home. He highlighted the environmental and personal perks of remote work, such as reduced commuting and increased family time. Michael emphasized the importance of clear communication with family members to set boundaries when working from home.

Reflecting on his extensive remote work experience, Michael noted the shift in dynamics pre- and post-pandemic, stressing the need for maintaining visibility and connection with colleagues through regular virtual check-ins and making oneself memorable in remote settings. He advised remote workers to be proactive in their communication and to find champions within their organizations to advocate for them.

Michael also talked about his company’s mission to build a better future through kindness, both in organizational efficiency and individual fulfillment. He shared strategies for promoting psychological safety and trust within teams, which he believes are essential for productivity and innovation. By fostering a culture of kindness, organizations can ensure that all team members feel valued and heard.

Moreover, Michael provided practical advice for remote professionals, such as maintaining a pocket-sized notebook to capture important thoughts and ideas, ensuring effective time management, and balancing work-life commitments. He also emphasized the importance of empathy and consistent communication in maintaining strong remote team connections.

Overall, Michael G. Neece’s appearance on the podcast underscored the transformative power of kindness in both personal and professional realms, advocating for a work culture where empathy and effective communication are paramount.

Connect with Michael

• Website: Our Future Is Kind
• LinkedIn: Michael Neece

Q&A with Michael

Why did you want to Work From Home Forever?

I love working from home because I waste zero time commuting, have freedom to choose when and how I work, and can seamlessly move into my personal time as needed so I don’t neglect my family and friends.

How long have you been Working From Home, Forever?

I worked from home for 6.5 years earlier in my career, but recently began working from home again as of February 2024.

What tradeoffs, if any, did you make in order to Work From Home Forever?

In a corporate role, when you are out of sight, you can be out of mind. That can be a huge obstacle to surmount, but persistence on reaching out to colleagues overcame that. Now that I work for myself, not having a site to go to means I have to get my own coffees and snacks.

How do you manage work/life balance Working From Home, Forever?

I carry a pocket-sized notebook with me to jot down anything I need to get done in life while at work, and anything I need to get done for work while engaged in personal time. I could do it on my phone, but the notebook feels “more real” for some reason.

What’s your best advice to others who want to Work From Home Forever?

Be aware that career progression in a corporation will require persistence in reaching out to connections and some occasional travel to close the gap with your site-based colleagues.

What are your three must-haves to Work From Home, Forever?

These might seem obvious, but a computer, the internet, and a quiet space where I can focus.

1 – A computer

2 – The internet

3 – And a quiet space where I can focus

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