The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Our Main Take-Away:

Recent times have seen an intense reaction to events and issues that have modified, or in some cases severely disrupted our lives. Being in constant reaction to situations and forces that are outside of our control can make people feel powerless and, at times, even lost. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is particularly relevant at this time due to the need of individuals and leaders to refocus and clearly prioritize the aspects of life and business that are the most important. Stephen Covey’s timeless volume successfully challenges the reader to consider their actions and intentions from the perspective of personal control and strategies for living life with purpose.

Reasons to Read:

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People provides the reader with a very simple and straightforward set of suggestive affirmations to be used as a guide for regaining personal initiative and control over the many demands and pressure that come with all aspects of life. Many who have used the knowledge contained with the volume for decades as a “guide” for personal and professional success, describe the I Seven Habits as a method for reorienting themselves with regard to “what matters most” when the pressures and challenges of life are most difficult.

1. Be Proactive
2. Begin with the End in Mind
3. Put First Things First
4. Think Win-Win
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
6. Synergize
7. Sharpen the Saw

Chapter by chapter Covey explains in detail how the seven principles are to be interpreted and put to use to assist the reader in prioritizing their time in line with their values and to evaluate the ever-increasing demands upon one’s life. He is especially effective in helping the reader to understand the relative importance and perceived urgency of those activities and requirements that can skew the priorities of our work and private lives.

The mantra of “self-mastery”, or controlling and prioritizing those items in life which lead to the greatest levels of self-actualized success, permeates the book. Strategies for effective planning and goal setting are clearly illustrated as Covey moves the reader through Habits 1, 2, and 3 which focus on moving one from a state of dependence toward independence”. Habits 4, 5, and 6 help the reader to develop Teamwork, Communication, and Collaborative skills. Habit Seven, Sharpen the Saw, blends the previous six and focuses the reader on a path to continuous growth and improvement.

The book is not only informative and instructive, but it is also uplifting. When the reader completes the text, they feel armed to approach life and the world of work with a new set of strategies for success. Many who have embraced the principles of the book read it multiple times and find the content affirming. A strong testimonial from a highly effective CEO encourages future leaders to not only read the book but re-read it at least once yearly to “sharpen the saw”. The Seven Habit of Highly Effective People is a classic volume on the strategies that help both leaders and people wishing to align their life with purpose, and become successful.

Amazon Summary:

*New York Times bestseller—over 40 million copies sold*
*The #1 Most Influential Business Book of the Twentieth Century*

One of the most inspiring and impactful books ever written, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has captivated readers for nearly three decades. It has transformed the lives of presidents and CEOs, educators and parents—millions of people of all ages and occupations. Now, this 30th anniversary edition of the timeless classic commemorates the wisdom of the 7 Habits with modern additions from Sean Covey.

The 7 Habits have become famous and are integrated into everyday thinking by millions and millions of people. Why? Because they work!

With Sean Covey’s added takeaways on how the habits can be used in our modern age, the wisdom of the 7 Habits will be refreshed for a new generation of leaders.

They include:
Habit 1: Be Proactive
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Habit 4: Think Win/Win
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Habit 6: Synergize
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

This beloved classic presents a principle-centered approach for solving both personal and professional problems. With penetrating insights and practical anecdotes, Stephen R. Covey reveals a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity—principles that give us the security to adapt to change and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates.