Get Better

About the Author

Todd Davis is an accomplished executive with over 20 years of experience at FranklinCovey, where he holds the position of Chief People Officer and Executive Vice President. His responsibilities include global talent development, and he is a renowned speaker on leadership, personal and interpersonal effectiveness, employee engagement, and building winning organizational cultures. In his book, "Get Better: 15 Proven Practices to Build Effective Relationships at Work," Davis shares his deep insights into how effective relationships are the cornerstone of both personal and organizational success.

Main Idea

"Get Better" is a comprehensive guide that emphasizes the importance of effective relationships in the workplace. According to Todd Davis, the true competitive advantage of any organization lies in the quality of relationships among its people. The book outlines 15 practical and proven practices designed to help individuals at all levels of an organization enhance their interactions and develop essential relationship-building skills. Davis advocates for a shift in paradigms and behaviors to foster a more positive, productive, and cohesive work environment.

Table of Contents

1. Wear Glasses That Work
2. Carry Your Own Weather
3. Behave Your Way to Credibility
4. Play Your Roles Well
5. See the Tree, Not Just the Seedling
6. Avoid the Pinball Syndrome
7. Think We, Not Me
8. Take Stock of Your Emotional Bank Accounts
9. Examine Your Real Motives
10. Talk Less, Listen More
11. Get Your Volume Right
12. Extend Trust
13. Make It Safe to Tell the Truth
14. Align Inputs with Outputs
15. Start With Humility

Wear Glasses That Work

In the first practice, "Wear Glasses That Work," Davis emphasizes the significance of perception in shaping our interactions. He uses the metaphor of glasses to explain how our perspectives can either clarify or distort reality. The way we choose to see ourselves and others directly influences our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Davis encourages readers to critically evaluate their current perspectives and consider whether they are helpful or limiting. By consciously choosing more constructive and realistic views, individuals can enhance their relationships and overall effectiveness. This practice is foundational, as it sets the stage for the other practices by promoting self-awareness and intentionality in how we perceive and interact with the world around us.

"Simply choosing how we see ourselves and others has a cascading effect on what we think, feel and do." — Todd Davis

Carry Your Own Weather

The second practice, "Carry Your Own Weather," focuses on personal responsibility and emotional resilience. Davis likens our mood and outlook to weather, suggesting that we often let external factors dictate our internal state. He argues that, just as we carry an umbrella to stay dry, we can choose to carry our own weather, maintaining a positive and proactive mindset regardless of external circumstances. This practice is about recognizing the power of choice in how we respond to challenges and setbacks. By pausing to consider our responses and choosing a constructive approach, we can avoid the victim mentality and instead take control of our emotional well-being.