Stephen R. Covey.

• Position: Brief Article

A long-time Utah resident, Stephen R. Covey is unquestionably among the most honored business philosophers in the world, famous for his bestselling books, "Principle-Centered Leadership" and "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." Married, with nine children and 34 grandchildren, ("In 15 years I predict twice that many grandkids and four times the great grandchildren!") he has an enormous vested interest in Utah's future.

"Think globally," is his primary message. "We need to think globally and act locally. Sometimes we get self-referencing rather than being focused on how we literally stack up against global competition. The rules of the game are being rewritten as economic models are changing. The bottom line is that products and services can be gotten anywhere in the world, often with more speed and better quality than here. Global consciousness increases competition exponentially."

Covey believes the key to global success lies in one of his most basic tenants: communication. "High tech works with high touch. The key thing is the speed of trust. When trust is there, you can communicate almost without words. When trust isn't there, no amount of communication or PR will compensate. The best examples we're seeing of that are in the national elections and the Middle East. I think leadership needs to understand that trust involves both the character and the competency of people, and the character and competency of organizations."

He firmly believes the Olympics...