David M.R. Covey, CEO of SM Covey

published on 14 April 2022

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David M.R. Covey, CEO of SM Covey
David M.R. Covey, CEO of SM Covey

How many of the books you've read, and the training you've taken has stuck with you? Not much? David M.R. Covey explains why that is, and the kind of AI helper he would build to help us retain more of what we're taught.

The Covey family is well known in the training industry. David M.R. Covey's father, Stephen Covey wrote The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and founded, what would later become, Franklin Covey. David continues that legacy with Trap Tales: Outsmarting the 7 Hidden Obstacles to Success. 

Why doesn't training stick?

It's one of the most challenging aspect of training: retention. Just look at your book shelf; how much of the helpful information have you read that didn't actually stick?

On the podcast David Covey explains why companies and people spend so much on training, and why only a single-digit percentage of that information actually sticks. One cause is because people are trying to change too many things at once, and therefore change nothing. 

The other cause is a lack of accountability. If someone is giving us constant feedback and helpful nudges, we tend to give up on our goals faster. This is where the podcast took a turn to AI. Can AI be a constant and positive feedback loop, helping us hit our goals?

Covey explored how his personal AI would increase accountability frequency, giving him constant nudges on the things he wants to improve on. It would remind him of his goals when he woke up, and when he got to the office.

"An AI robot for me—I think it would be helpful to ask questions," Covey said. "Really strategic insightful questions. That's gonna keep me focused. Like for instance, this morning, one of the questions would be, 'don't look at your email until you get two hours work done on your most important strategic projects.'"

Who is Franklin Covey?

It's a question David gets asked often. Who is Franklin Covey? Franklin Covey isn't a person, it's a business name. The business name is the result in a merger in 1997 between Franklin Quest, and The Covey Leadership Center, founded in 1985. Despite this, David was often asked about Franklin at various keynotes and conferences. 

David M.R. Covey Resources

Check out the personal website David M.R. Covey at DavidMRCovey.com

Buy Trap Tales on Amazon

Check out the SM Covey website at SMCovey.com

Follow David M.R. Covey on Twitter at @DavidMRCovey

Check out David MR Covey on LinkedIn

David gave a shout out to Jenny Blake and her book Free Time. You can find it here.

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