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Stories from the Orchard
Leadership lessons, lived experience, reflection and practical wisdom.
Much of what I know about leadership came from people, moments, mistakes and questions I still carry with me. Some stories come from organizations I’ve worked with. Others come from mentors, colleagues, difficult seasons and lessons that took years to understand. These are the stories behind the Orchard.


The Myth of the Solo Journey
A reflection on the people, mentors, friends and communities that shape our growth — and why leadership was never meant to be a solo journey.

Michael Neiss
2 days ago3 min read


Four Minutes of Me: How I Got Here... So Far
A four-minute reflection on five lessons gathered across a career in operations, education, organizational development, automotive, and consulting.

Michael Neiss
2 days ago3 min read


Before You Call Them Resistant
Resistance is not always a problem to overcome. It may be useful information about trust, identity, workload, expertise, and the conditions leaders have created around change.

Michael Neiss
Oct 34 min read


Part Two: When Expertise Suddenly Doesn’t Count
When change alters the value of hard-earned knowledge, leaders have a responsibility to preserve dignity, listen carefully, and carry forward the wisdom that still matters.

Michael Neiss
Oct 33 min read


What the Honeycrisp Apple Teaches About Leadership
A Honeycrisp apple offers a surprisingly useful lesson about leadership: growth depends not only on the tree, but on the soil, the roots, and the conditions surrounding it.

Michael Neiss
Oct 24 min read


What Matters Most - Why It's Still All About People
A reflection on Tom Peters, Kouzes and Posner, Herman Miller, and the enduring truth that leadership is still all about people.

Michael Neiss
Oct 14 min read


The Daily Practice
A five-minute morning practice to help leaders begin the day grounded, grateful, and intentional.

Michael Neiss
Sep 305 min read


Don't Automate Dysfunction
What the Quality Revolution Can Teach Us About Leading AI I've been listening to the urgency around AI lately. Move faster. Experiment. Find the use cases. Automate the routine work. Much of that advice is right. But it also gives me an uneasy feeling that I've seen this movie before. Years ago, while working at General Motors' Rochester Products Division, I was leading a team trying to promote the thinking of Dr. W. Edwards Deming on the factory floor. At about the same time

Michael Neiss
Sep 234 min read


Building Strong Teams: Insights from Five Leadership Groves
In today's fast-paced world, the success of any organization hinges on the strength of its teams. Building strong teams is not merely about assembling a group of talented individuals; it requires intentional leadership, clear communication, and a shared vision. This blog post explores insights from five leadership groves that can help you cultivate robust teams capable of achieving remarkable results. Understanding the Importance of Team Dynamics Team dynamics refer to the ps

Michael Neiss
Sep 134 min read


Cultivating Growth: Leadership Development Stories and Insights
Leadership is not just a title; it’s a journey of growth, learning, and transformation. In today’s fast-paced world, effective leadership is more crucial than ever. The stories of leaders who have navigated challenges and embraced opportunities can provide valuable insights for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills. This blog post explores various leadership development stories and insights that can inspire and guide you on your own leadership journey. The Importa

Michael Neiss
Sep 134 min read


Harnessing Leadership: Practical Tools for Organizational Success
Leadership is not just about holding a title; it’s about inspiring others to achieve a common goal. In today’s fast-paced world, effective leadership is crucial for organizational success. This blog post will explore practical tools that leaders can use to enhance their effectiveness and drive their teams toward success. Understanding Leadership Styles Leadership styles can significantly impact team dynamics and overall performance. Here are some common styles: Autocratic Lea

Michael Neiss
Sep 134 min read
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