Nicknamed the “Professor of Common Sense,” I deliver advice to improve workplace relationships in the same way that your grandparents would have done so, but I promise to keep my teeth in.

John Graci is a dynamic speaker, author, and trainer with more than 30 years of management experience helping leaders and team members “be nice” to one another.

On the road, he is known for his quick wit and slightly sarcastic sense of humor that is rooted in real-life examples and real-world knowledge which instantly improves the work environment. As seen on CNN, John’s time-tested techniques provide nuggets of wisdom and in-the-trenches solutions across all generations.

John’s straightforward and tell-it-like-it-is approach comes across as refreshing and riveting. He promises to engage your attendees by addressing the problems that employees face with solutions so logical, they are bound to say, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

John is the author of 3 books, The Buck Stops with You, Why Don’t Employees Perform as Expected? and his most recent book, Leaders Are MADE, Not Born! which shines light on what your employees always wanted to tell you, but never do!

 

Topics:

THE GRAY ZONE: IT’S NOT WHO IS RIGHT–IT’S WHAT IS RIGHT!

We live in a culture where everything seems to be “either/or.” Us vs. them. For or against. My way or the highway. Division and confrontation seem to be occurring in every aspect of our lives. In the workplace, we experience these same functional divides:Sales vs. Service; Management vs. Employee; First Shift vs. Second shift; Baby Boomers vs. the Younger Generations. 

People live life in extremes, mostly because they just don’t know it any other way. There is no middle ground. They’re either all in, or they’re completely out. Either intentionally or unintentionally, we often see things in black and white, without much appreciation for “The Gray Zone.”

Through realistic, often humorous anecdotes, quips, witticisms and insights that every workplace, leader or direct contributor face, John Graci provides, with irresistible logic, “The Gray Zone” solutions that organizations need to improve relationships and achieve results.  

Relationships are built one conversation at a time. Good communication brings out the shades of gray from the polarized black and white. The everyday problems addressed in this presentation are real and clearly stated, the solutions so logical you will say to yourself, “Now why didn’t I think of that?” 

 

GOOD BOSS, BAD BOSS: HOW TO BE THE BEST …AND LEARN FROM THE WORST

Did you ever have a great boss? Everyone should have the opportunity to have one, but unfortunately, not enough people do. If you’re a boss, or hope to become one, or have a less-than-great boss, you can’t afford to miss this entertaining, fun and fast-paced presentation chock-full of plain spoken and real-world solutions.

Business is about people! If a leader does not show up to work, how much of the work gets done? If employees do not show up to work, how much of the work gets done? Employees are an organization’s most valuable resource. This program is not about warm fuzzies, no academic theories, just practical wisdom from the trenches helping leaders and employees work together to achieve the objectives important to your company. The presentation is thought-provoking, insightful and rich with ideas to help improve relationships in the workplace and maximize the productivity of each employee.

 

A PRACTICAL APPROACH WHEN DEALING WITH EMPLOYEE RESISTANCE TO CHANGE

Change is inevitable. Yet we dread it, resist it and do everything to prevent it. Upon communicating change to employees, did you ever hear: “When is management going to understand it is the real world down here?” How about, “If my boss would just get off my back and let me do my job, everything would be okay!” or, “Why can’t they leave well enough alone?” Restoring productivity and profitability with employees hit by organizational change takes skills. Change damages trust level and drives morale south. You can’t afford to just sit back, let nature takes its course and hope everyone will get on board and eventually work together as an effective unit. The biggest mistake companies commit is doing nothing to help enhance change acceptance. This program has been designed to help attendees keep the workforce engaged and overcome employee resistance, so the organization can accelerate the entire change process.

 

MOTIVATING AND ENGAGING THE DIFFERENT GENERATIONS IN THE WORKPLACE

Every generation has a valid point of view. It’s not “out with the old, in with the new.” It is about creating an environment where five generations can work side-by-side. This program has been designed to convey in practical terms an understanding of how organizations can identify and bridge the gaps that could have significant bottom line effects on business performance. The program illustrates who the generations are, why they clash, and what everyone can do to bridge the gaps. This fast paced and real-world program will create awareness and offer practical solutions for solving the generational issues that plague today’s workplace and marketplace.