Project Management Archives - Training Unleashed

Unleashing the Power of the Unofficial Project Manager with Kory Kogon

In this insightful episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel is joined by Kory Kogon, Global Practice Leader at FranklinCovey and co-author of the bestselling book, Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager. Together, they dive deep into the world of project management for individuals who may not hold an official title but still manage tasks and responsibilities that significantly impact their teams and organizations. Kory shares invaluable insights into leadership, trust, communication, and the importance of executing goals effectively.

Kory also explores how FranklinCovey’s wide range of leadership development resources has helped millions of people globally, and she provides practical advice for those looking to improve their project management skills. Whether you’re leading a large corporation or organizing small tasks in your daily life, this episode provides actionable steps to achieve success.

Key Topics Discussed:

Project Management for the Unofficial Manager: Kory Kogon explains the concept of managing projects without a formal title and how anyone can become effective at project management with the right mindset and tools.
Four Key Buckets of Leadership: Kory breaks down the four essential areas FranklinCovey focuses on: Leadership Development, Individual Contribution, Trust, and Execution. She highlights how these pillars can drive organizational and personal success.
Building a Culture of Trust: Kory emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of trust within teams, how to foster inclusive leadership, and manage difficult conversations effectively.
Executing Key Goals: How to bridge the gap between strategy and execution, using FranklinCovey’s 4 Disciplines of Execution to turn high-level strategies into actionable, measurable results.
Impact on a Global Scale: Kory shares staggering statistics about FranklinCovey’s reach, including touching the lives of 30 million leaders in 160 countries, underscoring the global impact of effective leadership training.
Kory’s #1 Tip for Project Managers: Kory shares a personal and professional tip—reflect on your past successes, no matter how small, and use that confidence to tackle future projects. She also stresses the importance of building strong relationships with others to ensure project success.

Memorable Quotes:

“Think about your past successes… what did I do well? Use that juice to move you forward.” – Kory Kogon
“People prefer to be effective rather than ineffective, and they’re looking for those tools to help them.” – Evan Hackel

Resources Mentioned:

Book: Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager – available at all major booksellers.
FranklinCovey Website: Explore FranklinCovey’s wide range of leadership and personal effectiveness programs at www.franklincovey.com.

About Our Guest

Kory Kogon is FranklinCovey’s Global Practice Leader for Productivity, Leadership, and Individual Effectiveness. She has co-authored several bestselling books, including Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager. With years of experience in helping organizations change behavior and achieve results, Kory is a trusted voice in the field of leadership development.

How to Connect with Kory:

Website: FanklinCovey/KoryKogon
LinkedIn: Kory Kogon

The Symphony of Choices in Business and Life with Gerald Leonard

Welcome to another captivating edition of Training Unleashed. We extend our gratitude to our sponsors, C-suite TV and C-suite Radio, as without them, this show wouldn’t be possible. Today, we’re thrilled to have an extraordinary guest, Gerald Leonard, the CEO of Turnberry Premier. He’s not just your typical CEO; he’s a musician with a fascinating story that intertwines the world of music with the realm of business.

What Does Music Have to Do with Business?

Evan poses a question that sets the tone for the discussion: “Gerald, what does music have to do with business?” Gerald responds with a profound connection between his musical journey, starting at the age of ten, and the valuable lessons he’s applied throughout his career.

“As a musician, you have to practice to get better,” Gerald explains. “You have to practice to learn your instrument and master that skill.” Drawing parallels to the business world, he emphasizes the importance of CEOs focusing on and mastering the essential skills required for their roles.

The Art of Learning and Seeking Guidance

Reflecting on his early years, Gerald shares a pivotal lesson from his childhood. Recognizing his limitations and the need for guidance, he hired his first coach at the age of twelve. This experience taught him the value of seeking mentorship, a principle that carried forward into his professional life.

“I realized I could only go so far by myself, so I needed a coach,” he recounts. This early lesson of seeking support and mentorship shaped his approach to continuous learning and improvement.

The Dance of Collaboration: Lessons from Playing Together

Gerald draws parallels between playing music and working in a business environment, emphasizing the importance of listening. “Just the art of listening is critical in business,” he notes. Musicians learn to listen, understand, and blend their contributions to create a harmonious performance.

“As a CEO, my job is to surrender and lead by example, providing the support everyone needs,” Gerald states. These principles of collaboration and support were instilled in him during his musical journey and are now integral to his leadership philosophy.

How to Find a Mentor: Gerald’s Advice

In response to Evan’s query about finding a mentor, Gerald shares his personal approach. He emphasizes the importance of seeking mentors with a track record of success in areas aligned with one’s goals. Even if you haven’t met them personally, mentors can influence and guide through their works, be it books, online programs, or workshops.

Connecting with Gerald

For those intrigued by Gerald’s insights and keen to explore more, you can connect with him on LinkedIn or visit the Productivity Intelligence Institute website for valuable resources, including downloadable materials on goal setting and project management.

Parting Wisdom: The Pomodoro Technique

As a parting tip, Gerald encourages adopting the Pomodoro Technique—working in short intervals with breaks in between. This technique enhances productivity and allows the mind to refresh, resulting in more focused and efficient work.