It was the second time she’d seen the concept demonstrated. She knew it made a lot of sense using the example in class. Why not apply it to the personal decision she’d been pondering for the past few months?
She thought about the benefits and consequences of her choices. Looking at it from this perspective made it seem obvious, but it would mean making a commitment to changing her lifestyle. “I really think this could work,” she decided.
She shared her thoughts with her friend who had taught the training class earlier that day: “I was just sitting there in class today, seeing how much sense it makes, and thought to myself – this is it.” The two talked at length about her decision and the potential impact this new tool, the Payoff Matrix, could have for everyone in NEO.
That was Monday and by the next day, she’d made her choice. Nikki Conner, a Bank One trainer for NEO, hasn’t smoked a cigarette since.
The New Work Habits (NWH) class is having that kind of effect on NEO employees, both at work and in their personal lives. Nikki’s story is an example of how people are applying the concepts and tools they learn in the NWH class to real-life situations.
So far, approximately 2,400 NEO employees have taken the 4-hour training class. This group is comprised of individuals from all functional areas as well as management, including a group of senior executives who took the course on May 6 in Chicago. Neil Williams, Executive Vice President of NEO, was among those who attended. When asked about his thoughts on the class and its concepts, he commented, “Given all the change we are faced with, we need all the help we can get to respond in a productive and healthy way. This class provides some important tools to guide our thinking.”
Raising awareness that the underlying causes for change are the result of changes in the world is one of the key objectives of the training. As trainers conclude each class, they are collecting comments from the students. A Kentucky participant wrote, “I enjoyed the session. It helped me to have a better perspective about the changes that are occurring.”
Many people are finding that the course confirms their own conclusions about change. In Michigan, an NEO employee said, “This class was a reality check. My feelings and my thoughts have been leaning toward this way of thinking, and now it’s real.”
An Ohio class member indicated intentions to use the New Work Habits after leaving the classroom: “This class really encouraged me to improve my work habits and to think of going to school to keep up with the changing world.” Another important objective of the course is to empower NEO employees to take charge of their own futures. Thinking about how to improve one’s work habits and obtain more education is part of that process.
This class was implemented as part of NEO’s commitment to developing outstanding employees as stated in NEO’s Vision. Why is this important? As expressed by Neil Williams, it’s in the hope that employees will see how important they are to the organization. Although the changing world doesn’t permit organizations to offer guarantees to their employees, providing tools like the New Work Habits program equips good employees with a means to increase their employability at Bank One and beyond.
A comment received from a Texas participant supports this idea: “It really changed my way of thinking about change. I’m more willing to change and grow within the company and for myself. Thank you!”
With personal success stories like Nikki’s and other employees who are striving to use the NWH tools and principles in their jobs, NEO will have accomplished its purpose in providing us with the New Work Habits training program.
Sherri DeRhodes - Freelance Writer 