Chief Change Officer Podcast Summary: Episode #388 with Todd Davis
Title: Chief Change Officer
Host: Vince Chan
Guest: Todd Davis, Former Chief People Officer at FranklinCovey
Release Date: May 25, 2025
Theme: Leadership, Trust, and the Enduring Value of Human Intelligence in the Age of AI
Introduction
In Episode #388 of the Chief Change Officer podcast, host Vince Chan engages in a profound conversation with Todd Davis, the former Chief People Officer at FranklinCovey and the expert behind the bestseller "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." Over their discussion, they delve deep into the critical balance between human skills and the rising prominence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. This episode is the second part of a two-part series focusing on leadership and trust.
The Decline of Human Intelligence in the Digital Age
The Erosion of Core Human Skills
Todd Davis opens the conversation by highlighting a concerning trend: the decline in fundamental human skills such as speaking, writing, and listening. He contrasts these with the surge in reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT for tasks that require deep thought and expression.
Todd Davis (03:40): "We live in a world where AI drives the conversation every day... I worry that if we continue down this path, we will start losing the art of being human."
Human Intelligence as a Competitive Advantage
Vince echoes Todd's concerns, emphasizing that while AI is a powerful tool, it cannot replace the nuanced interpersonal skills that humans inherently possess. They discuss a study involving 290 organizations that use AI weekly, revealing that creativity and interpersonal skills remain the top valued human attributes even in an AI-driven environment.
Vince Chan (05:30): "I worry about those who never had that training, who never built those basic skills to begin with. If they're not careful and mindful, they will outsource everything to AI without realizing they're missing out on actual self-development."
Building and Maintaining Trust in the Workplace
The Foundation of Relationships
Todd elaborates on the paramount importance of relationships in both personal and professional settings. He introduces the concept of the "emotional bank account," where trust is built through consistent positive interactions and "deposits."
Todd Davis (18:22): "I think it's our nature as human beings on this earth, that relationships matter. And the foundation of all foundations in any relationship is trust."
Practical Approaches to Enhance Trust
They discuss actionable strategies for leaders to foster trust within their teams, such as understanding individual team members' needs and preferences, and the importance of sincere communication.
Todd Davis (21:03): "Being sincere is a huge part of our trust accounts with people. Instead of just being open and honest and saying, 'I need your help,' they try to build up this fake deposit."
Navigating Generational Diversity in the Workforce
Understanding Common Ground
Vince brings up the challenges of managing a cross-generational workforce, where each generation faces its own unique set of stereotypes and issues. Todd responds by emphasizing that, regardless of generational differences, the fundamental desire to matter and contribute is universal.
Todd Davis (13:00): "We all want to matter. It doesn't. We show up differently, but we all want to matter. We all want to be a part of something that matters."
Leveraging the 7 Habits for Generational Harmony
They explore how the principles from "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" can aid in managing and harmonizing generational diversity, ensuring that each team member feels valued and understood.
The Importance of Prioritization and Effective Planning
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Todd advocates for Habit 3, "Put First Things First," as the foundational habit that facilitates the development of other effective habits. He discusses the significance of weekly planning and prioritization to manage the myriad of tasks and responsibilities.
Todd Davis (23:22): "Habit number three is put first things first. It's the habit of focus and prioritization... by planning your week, each week before the week begins is such a satisfying thing."
Balancing Technology and Human Skills
The conversation loops back to the balance between leveraging AI tools and maintaining essential human skills. Vince emphasizes that while AI can assist, it should not replace the human touch that defines effective leadership and meaningful relationships.
Vince Chan (25:39): "Being effective... isn't just about doing more or doing things faster. It's about doing the right things."
Conclusion: Embracing Human Intelligence in the Future of Work
Vince and Todd conclude by reiterating the indispensable value of human intelligence and interpersonal skills in an increasingly digital and AI-driven workplace. They underscore the necessity for both individuals and organizations to cultivate these skills to foster trust, effective leadership, and meaningful collaboration.
Todd Davis (27:50): "I agree 100%."
Vince leaves listeners with a thought-provoking question to encourage immediate action towards building trust within their teams:
Vince Chan (27:59): "The real question now is what's one thing you can do today to build trust in your own team? Think about it."
Key Takeaways
- Human Skills vs. AI: While AI tools are invaluable, they cannot replace fundamental human skills like empathy, communication, and interpersonal relationships.
- Building Trust: Trust is the cornerstone of all relationships. Consistent, sincere interactions build an "emotional bank account" that sustains trust even during challenging times.
- Generational Diversity: Understanding and valuing the universal desire to matter across generations can harmonize diverse teams.
- Prioritization: Effective prioritization and planning, as advocated in Habit 3 of "The 7 Habits," are crucial for personal and professional growth.
- Balancing Technology: Embrace AI as a tool to enhance, not replace, human intelligence and judgment in the workplace.
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