“This industry does so many great things the people outside the industry have no idea about,” he explained. “I love introducing those who aren’t from the industry to the technologies we employ, the amazing places we go and things that we do. I just can’t say enough, how proud I am of the oil and gas industry. It’s really an amazing thing, amazing people, and I’m just very proud to be a part of it.” Williams sees business as the “ultimate team sport” because it takes different skill sets, points of view and perspectives to be successful. He believes a team with members expressing identical thoughts will fail due to a lack of diverse opinions and perspectives. According to Williams, respect for each other is critical to a successful team because it gives team members the confidence to share opinions and personal views knowing the team respects the feedback, but at the end of the day, each member must
support whatever direction the team is headed. “Having a team that is mature enough to set aside a difference of opinion for the benefit of the team is really the magic ingredient,” he said. Building a successful team takes time, intentional thought and planning according to Williams. He suggests choosing individuals with divergent personalities to have a wide range of opinions. It’s important to recruit a diverse workforce reflecting the generational change underway in the industry while also representing the global nature of the business. “Let me be totally clear, I’m blessed beyond what I deserve. We have, I think, the world’s best management team, and I’m so proud of the people that I’m privileged to work with every day. They’re committed, and they do a fantastic job.”
As recent events in the world show, the oil and gas industry can be a volatile place to be. During hard times, Williams encourages experienced employees to reassure younger employees who may be questioning their career choice. “I tell people, you are going to look back at this downturn and realize this is really what is going to make you as a manager,” he said. “You’ve been pushed out of your comfort zone, you’re being asked to do really hard things, sometimes pretty painful things, but we’re driving towards a more efficient and more effective organization, and you’re a part of that. You’re learning more than you know right now. Perseverance counts for a lot so stay in the fight, don’t give up, keep moving ahead. And when better days come, and they will, you will look back at this period and realize, you know, that’s really what made me who I am.”
Energy Connection/Q2 2020
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