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:

2024-10-09T12:09:23-04:00September 25, 2024|

Unleashing the Future of Learning: Exploring Extended Reality (XR) with Richard Adair

In a recent enlightening podcast conversation, we had the pleasure of speaking with Richard from the Learning Network, uncovering the dynamic landscape of Extended Reality (XR) technologies and their profound impact on learning and development. From fire extinguisher training to electric vehicle instruction, XR isn’t just revolutionizing industries; it’s reshaping the way we perceive and engage with learning.

Embracing the Reality: XR Technologies Today

Gone are the days of XR being confined to the realm of science fiction. Richard emphasized that XR is not merely a vision of the future; it’s a present-day reality. With XR technologies becoming increasingly accessible and affordable, organizations are leveraging them to drive tangible business outcomes. The conversation highlighted how XR is democratizing training, offering immersive experiences that transcend traditional learning methodologies.

From Fire Extinguishers to Electric Vehicles: Real-world Applications of XR

The podcast illuminated a myriad of real-world applications for XR technologies. From optimizing fire extinguisher training to enhancing electric vehicle technician instruction, XR is proving to be a game-changer across diverse sectors. By creating engaging and interactive simulations, organizations are not only improving learning outcomes but also driving cost savings and enhancing safety standards.

Unleashing Learning Potential with Performance XR Analytics

One of the most intriguing topics discussed was the potential of Performance XR Analytics. By harnessing data collected from XR experiences, organizations can gain invaluable insights into training effectiveness, user behavior, and ergonomic efficiency. This data-driven approach enables adaptive learning strategies, enhances curriculum design, and maximizes training outcomes, ushering in a new era of personalized learning experiences.

About Our Guest

Richard is a visionary leader with extensive experience in the learning and development industry. As the driving force behind The Learning Network, Richard brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. With a passion for leveraging cutting-edge technology to revolutionize training methods, Richard has spearheaded initiatives in XR technology, transforming how organizations approach learning. His forward-thinking approach and dedication to excellence have earned him recognition as a trailblazer in the field. Join us as Richard shares insights, strategies, and success stories in this insightful podcast episode.

2024-05-15T10:54:59-04:00May 15, 2024|

Unlocking Success in Remote Staffing: Insights from CEO Rob Buffington

His name is Rob Buffington. He is the CEO of Gordian Staffing and an expert in various domains. In today’s discussion, we’ll delve into the nuances of remote staffing, training, and organizational structure.

Challenges of Training Remote Staff

In the dynamic landscape of the modern workplace, remote staffing has become a pivotal aspect of business operations. Rob kicks things off by addressing a crucial question that many training professionals grapple with: How do you effectively train remote staff and get them up to speed?

Rob shares his insights, acknowledging the inherent challenges of training individuals who aren’t physically present. “Out of sight, out of mind” is a common pitfall, but Rob emphasizes the importance of allocating time upfront to ensure a smooth onboarding process. He dispels the notion of training as a plug-and-play scenario, emphasizing the human element involved.

One of the keys to successful remote training, according to Rob, is pivoting from traditional apprenticeship models. Instead of relying on a mentor physically guiding a new employee, companies need to create comprehensive scripts, outlines, and particularly videos. Rob recommends advanced preparation, ideally weeks or months ahead of the start date.

Standardization and Consistency: Building a Healthy Company Culture

Rob delves into the necessity of adapting to a structured pedagogical approach to foster consistency in company processes. He draws parallels with historical apprenticeship models, emphasizing the need for a methodical, proactive training strategy. The gradual implementation of such an approach contributes to the standardization of operations, fostering a healthier and more predictable company culture.

Drawing from his experience, Rob underlines the importance of standardizing procedures, leading to greater consistency in output. He highlights how this approach, over time, can transform a company into a more standardized and efficient entity, comparable to the success of franchises driven by their commitment to consistency.

Navigating Remote and In-Person Dynamics in Meetings

Moving into the realm of team collaboration, the discussion turns to the challenges of conducting meetings involving both remote and in-person attendees. Rob shares his perspective, recommending a unified approach that treats all employees as part of one cohesive team. He suggests avoiding separate meetings unless absolutely necessary, promoting a sense of unity among team members, regardless of physical location.

Slicing the Gordian Knot of Staffing Challenges

The analogy of “slicing the Gordian knot” serves as a metaphor for approaching old problems with new and decisive solutions. Rob’s insights have shed light on the importance of adaptability, standardization, and effective communication in fostering a successful remote workforce.

About Our Guest

Rob Buffington, CEO of Gordian, is a leading expert in remote staffing and organizational efficiency. With a focus on training and managing remote teams, Rob is dedicated to transforming traditional practices and ensuring employees are equipped for success.

As a seasoned professional, Rob brings a wealth of experience to the table, particularly in helping small to medium-sized businesses optimize their workforce. His commitment to efficiency and innovation is inspired by historical lessons, such as the tale of Alexander the Great and the Gordian Knot.

To connect with Rob Buffington and take advantage of the free consulting offer, visit Gordian Staffing or reach out to him on LinkedIn.

2024-01-29T17:37:04-05:00February 28, 2024|
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