The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, first published in 1989, is a business and self-help book written by Stephen R. Covey.
It has sold more than 25 million copies in 38 languages worldwide, and
the audio version has sold 15 million copies, and remains one of the
best selling nonfiction business books.
Covey presents an approach to being effective in attaining goals by
aligning oneself to what he calls "true north" principles of a character
ethic that he presents as universal and timeless.
In August 2011,
Time listed
Seven Habits as one of "The 25 Most Influential Business Management Books
The book first introduces the concept of Paradigm Shift and prepares the
reader for a change in mindset. It helps the reader understand that
there exists a different perspective, a viewpoint that may be different
from his own and asserts that two people can see the same thing and yet
differ with each other. Once the reader is prepared for this, it
introduces the seven habits, in a proper order.
Take initiative in life by realizing that your decisions (and how
they align with life's principles) are the primary determining factor
for effectiveness in your life. Take responsibility for your choices and
the consequences that follow.
- Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
Self-discover and clarify your deeply important character values and
life goals. Envision the ideal characteristics for each of your various
roles and relationships in life. Create a mission statement.
- Habit 3: Put First Things First
Prioritize, plan, and execute your week's tasks based on importance
rather than urgency. Evaluate whether your efforts exemplify your
desired character values, propel you toward goals, and enrich the roles
and relationships that were elaborated in Habit 2.
Genuinely strive for mutually beneficial solutions or agreements in
your relationships. Value and respect people by understanding a "win"
for all is ultimately a better long-term resolution than if only one
person in the situation had gotten his way.
- Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
Use empathic listening to be genuinely influenced by a person, which
compels them to reciprocate the listening and take an open mind to being
influenced by you. This creates an atmosphere of caring, and positive
problem solving.
Combine the strengths of people through positive teamwork, so as to achieve goals no one person could have done alone
Balance and renew your resources, energy, and health to create a
sustainable, long-term, effective lifestyle. It primarily emphasizes
exercise for physical renewal, prayer (meditation, yoga, etc.) and good
reading for mental renewal. It also mentions service to society for
spiritual renewal.
