FranklinCovey Blog

I agree. When things fall apart, we need to focus on that which abides. These are times when we all have opportunity disguised as loss–the opportunity to get clear about the basics, about what works and what adds value. Looking forward to hearing more and thanks for this post.

I am looking forward to this book and understanding how to use Franklin Covey principles to make it through the tough times.

Most organizational leaders have chosen to lead by the “monopoly” theory. Yes the board game! See in monopoly you win by keeping all of your money on the board and caring nothing about principles and relationships. The problem with this theory is every now and again you run into trouble and guess who wins this game…the leader who understands their true north and has built relationships with his/her workers and competitors. Money on the board accelerates growth….relationships and principles forge companies into unbreakable organizations. Sounds like a great book…lots of thoughts on this one!!!!

The third principle stands out the most to me. I’ve learned that what helps the most in hard times is recognizing your strengths and core competencies, developing them, and finding a way to package and provide services to the market in the most effective way.

However, one of the biggest challenges I see is that people are focused more on what they have to offer than really identifying the needs of the market. They are telling the market what it needs instead of listening to clients and letting the them identify what the true need is. An effective service provider must adjust to the needs of the market and of the times and not vice versa.

Looking forward to hearing more.

There are two important focal points that generally emerge in challenging times like these: 1.) What’s the gift for you when times are tough? The gift isn’t always immediately realized or easily understood. I heard on the news this morning that despite people being worried and spending less, they are also happier. They’re returning to what’s truly important and focusing on relationships rather than things.
2.) Begin with the end in mind. (Where have I heard that before?) People and business will survive by looking to the desired outcome and then ensuring steps are taken each day toward the desired outcome.

This book is spot on. Thanks for your exellent work through all the years.

Kim

I would like to add that taking on excess debt is a burden not only to the corporation but to the individuals within the company. I believe it transcends the first three principles you’ve outlined above.

As always, I look forward to your insights and wisdom.

Looks like an interesting book. Do the principles outlined work on personal improvement levels for one who is getting by but wants more out of life ?

Can you imagine a tribal group forgetting about their goals .. It is darwins law that we should have this in mind, we only got too lazy, leaning on structures build to help us. It`s a good thing to remember today.

Looks like its gonna be yet another eye opener!!!!! I think this is good that you have this coporate book written up!!! The need of the times is a parallel book created for the family and community in todays recessed age where more is not merrier anymore!!!!!

I am a die hard fan of 8th Habit , one of the best books I have ever read. I told my daughter and son not to miss a single word of that book. I think “8th Habit” makes a passing reference to the companies that perform and sustain even in bad times. It is the work culture that is the core element. These(succesful ones) companies nurture human values and maintain a transperant ambience with their customers and suppliers and enable generate an atmosphere of faith and honesty in their dealings. As Stephen Covey rightly remarked in his 8th Habit, they enable others.

I’m curious about the book. Like your previous books, this could be another eye opener that changes the way we think about ourselves and the way we do business.

I’m a little sceptic about the first two points you mention. Is it really that new? It’s true that winning companies have simple goals and designed processes to reach these goals, but guru’s like Porter allready told us that? Furthermore, managers like Welch learned us that it’s important to shape a culture thats alligned to corporate vision and values. It’s more or less obvious that this could lead to increased trust from customers.

I’m very curious about point three and four. I’m my opinion, it looks like what it’s all about: Accept the fact that these times are inpredictable, look at your strengths are decide what your going to do with it. I doubt if the ‘big cost-cutters’ will win this race.

Looking forward to hearing more, so please keep us posted!

This book comes at the right time. It is time to get simple and customer focused!