FranklinCovey Blog | Workforce

Q&A with Stephen R. Covey

Monday, October 19th, 2009 | From the Desk of Stephen R. Covey | 3 Comments

Q: With every working generation, there are changes in what is motivational (e.g., Boomers vs. Gen Xers). As the mix of the generations (and cultures) continues to increase, and new cohorts enter the workforce, what approaches can we use to take advantage of this diversity to build organizational performance?

A: Synergy is celebrating diversity. So, involve people in the question you are asking and let them come up with their recommendations. Initially, start with small groups of three or four people so they are authentic and genuine in their communication and not “politically correct.” Then, let each small group share analyses and recommendations and begin to synergize at a higher level the question you are asking.

The key to this generational question is to be synergistically resolved through deep cooperation and authentic communication. Employ a great deal of empathic listening and restating another person’s point until that person feels understood. This takes a different mind-set and skill set.

How do you use diversity (the mix of generations, cultures etc…) to build organizational performance? I would love to hear from you.

This question and answer with Dr. Covey was featured in the January 2009 issue of Training Magazine.

Tags: Authentic Communication, Boomers, Celebrating Diversity, Cohorts, Cooperation, Cultures, Gen Xers, Generations, Group Share, Organizational Performance, Question And Answer, Small Group, Small Groups, Stephen Covey, Stephen R Covey, Synergy, Workforce

Five tips to reduce your stress: TIP #1

Thursday, April 30th, 2009 | FranklinCovey News | 1 Comment

Why is it that when layoffs occur, and the workforce retracts, the work seems to expand? The remaining employees are, quite often, left with additional responsibilities and fewer resources. Sound familiar? I’m going to share with you my five keys to remaining sane when your job requirements try to drive you mad.

 Tip #1: Eliminate Chaos

When everything around you is moving fast it’s hard to get organized. Does this sound like your typical day? You return from one meeting only to go to another and yet another throughout the day; you don’t have time to focus strategically on one project because your time is spread so thin over a dozen; you have three people at your door waiting for a decisions on three different projects. › Continue reading

Tags: 30 Minutes, Brain, Chaos, Chunks, Decisions, Desk, Embrace, Five Keys, Franklincovey, Gain Control, Horizon, Layoffs, Madness, Morning Meetings, Murdoch, Quality Work, Reduce Stress, Reply, Stress Tip, Time Management, Typical Day, Workforce