Chief Change Officer - Episode #245: Todd Davis - 30 Years at FranklinCovey—7 Habits They Don’t Teach in Business School (Part One)
Release Date: March 20, 2025
Host: Vince Chan
Guest: Todd Davis, Former Chief People Officer at FranklinCovey

Introduction

In episode #245 of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chan welcomes Todd Davis, the former Chief People Officer at FranklinCovey. With 30 years of experience at FranklinCovey, Vince delves deep into the timeless principles of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" and explores why these habits remain crucial in today's rapidly evolving workplace. This two-part series aims to uncover the real-world applications of these habits beyond traditional business education.

Guest Background and Journey

[03:12] Todd Davis:
Todd begins by sharing his extensive journey with FranklinCovey, highlighting his three-decade-long tenure. Before joining FranklinCovey, Todd spent 10 years in the medical industry as a recruiter, bringing physicians and medical personnel to various healthcare organizations in the Western United States. His transition to FranklinCovey was serendipitous; after contracting with the Covey Leadership Center, he was inspired by "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"—a book that profoundly impacted his personal and professional life. Recognizing his aptitude for people management, Todd was recruited to join FranklinCovey full-time, eventually rising to the role of Chief People Officer, a position he held for 18 years. Recently, Todd has shifted to a full-time consulting role, focusing on delivering training, keynotes, and podcasts aimed at personal and professional transformation.

The Enduring Relevance of The Seven Habits

[10:30] Todd Davis:
Vince probes into the evolving workplace challenges such as downsizing, burnout, and culture shifts. Todd emphasizes that "The Seven Habits" remain not just relevant but increasingly critical. He explains that Stephen R. Covey's foundational work was centered around effectiveness, distinguishing between merely getting things done and getting the right things done. These habits are rooted in timeless principles that transcend technological and societal changes. Todd highlights that while the application of these habits evolves, the underlying principles remain steadfast, making the book a timeless resource for individuals and organizations alike.

Deep Dive into Habit 1: Be Proactive

[20:09] Todd Davis:
Habit 1, "Be Proactive," serves as the cornerstone of the Seven Habits framework. Todd breaks down this habit into three key practices:

1. Pause Before Responding:

   • Quote: "Reactive response just happens. We don't have to think about it, but a proactive response requires us to separate stimulus from response and decide how we want to respond."
   • (Timestamp: 20:09)*

2. Circle of Influence vs. Circle of Concern:

   • Effective individuals focus on what they can influence rather than being bogged down by what they cannot change.
   • Quote: "Staying within the circle of influence allows us to make tangible impacts instead of feeling overwhelmed by external concerns."
   • (Timestamp: 20:09)

3. Use Proactive Language:

   • Language shapes mindset. Proactive language not only fosters positivity but also enhances creativity by engaging the brain's problem-solving areas.
   • Quote: "Proactive language opens up the creative portions of our brain and the synapses in our brain to come up with more solutions."
   • (Timestamp: 20:09)

Todd shares an engaging activity where participants replace reactive phrases like "I may not be able to" with proactive ones like "I can," fostering a mindset shift towards personal accountability and empowerment.

Transformative Stories: The Power of Habit 5

[21:06] Todd Davis:
While Habit 1 lays the foundation, Todd discusses Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood, emphasizing the principles of respect and empathy. He narrates a poignant story about an individual incarcerated for 20 years who found solace and transformation through the Seven Habits. This individual highlighted how the book helped him become more proactive and improve his interactions even in the restrictive environment of prison.

Further illustrating Habit 5, Todd recounts a scenario where an employee felt unrecognized by their manager. Through guided reflection and role-playing, the employee learned to empathize with the manager's perspective, leading to a heartfelt conversation where the manager acknowledged the employee's hard work—something that had previously gone unnoticed. This transformation underscores the profound impact of active listening and empathetic communication in fostering meaningful relationships and resolving workplace tensions.

Human Skills in the Age of AI

[30:12] Vince Chan:
Vince raises a critical concern about the decline of human intelligence skills such as empathy, resilience, and basic communication due to the increasing reliance on AI. He worries that outsourcing thinking and communication to tools like ChatGPT may erode the art of being human.

[31:47] Todd Davis:
Todd concurs, citing a study of 290 organizations that utilize AI weekly. The top skills these leaders deemed essential were creativity and interpersonal skills, including empathy. He argues that while AI can assist with tasks, it cannot replace genuine human connection. Todd shares his own experiences where, even when using AI for tasks like drafting keynotes, the personal touch and authenticity remain irreplaceable. He emphasizes that principles of human connection—such as respect, gratitude, and genuine listening—are foundational and will always be necessary, regardless of technological advancements.

Notable Quotes and Insights

• Todd Davis: "The principles themselves don't ever change. And so this book is timeless."
  (Timestamp: 10:30)

• Todd Davis: "Real leaders lead by example. They take risks and plunge into life with determination."
  (Timestamp: 14:32)

• Todd Davis: "The deepest need of the human heart is to feel understood."
  (Timestamp: 26:46)

• Todd Davis: "AI can be a very useful tool, but human connection is a principle. It's always going to be needed."
  (Timestamp: 33:44)

Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two

As the episode draws to a close, Vince summarizes the key takeaways on effective leadership and the enduring relevance of "The 7 Habits." He hints at deeper dives into topics like trust as a bank account, leadership blind spots, and active listening in the upcoming second part of the series. A particularly intriguing mention is Todd's impactful prison story, promising listeners valuable insights into personal transformation through the Seven Habits.

[33:44] Vince Chen:
"That's it for today. We've talked about what makes leaders actually effective. But next we are diving into the real human side. Why trust works like a bank account, the biggest leadership blind spots, and why most people don't really listen. Oh, and wait till you hear Todd's prison story. See you in part two."

Key Learnings

1. Timeless Principles:
   The Seven Habits are built on enduring principles that remain effective regardless of changing circumstances.

2. Proactive Mindset:
   Embracing a proactive approach empowers individuals to take control of their responses and focus on what they can influence.

3. Empathetic Communication:
   Habit 5 underscores the importance of truly understanding others before seeking to be understood, fostering trust and effective collaboration.

4. Human Skills vs. AI:
   While AI can augment tasks, the essence of human connection, empathy, and creativity remains irreplaceable.

5. Practical Application:
   Regularly engaging with these habits through structured activities can lead to meaningful personal and professional transformations.

Final Thoughts

Episode #245 offers a compelling exploration of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," highlighting their practical applications and sustained relevance in today's dynamic work environment. Todd Davis's wealth of experience and illustrative stories provide listeners with actionable insights to enhance their leadership capabilities and navigate the complexities of modern workplaces. As the series continues, listeners can anticipate further enriching discussions that bridge timeless principles with contemporary challenges.

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