The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is Stephen R. Covey’s best-seller book, in which he presents an approach for effectiveness in attaining goals, aligned with one’s character.

I read the book long ago, but I still see it as a great reference for leaders and managers. I practice many of its concepts frequently. Have you ever heard of circles of influence, P/PC balance, or the time management matrix? It all came from this book!

The process goes through 7 habits, from attaining independence to interdependence and then to continuous improvement, as follows:

  1. Independence (private victory)
    • Habit 1: Be proactive
    • Habit 2: Begin with the end in mind
    • Habit 3: Put first things first
  2. Interdependence (public victory)
    • Habit 4: Think win-win
    • Habit 5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood
    • Habit 6: Synergize
  3. Renewal
    • Habit 7: Sharpen the saw

In the blog

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People book cover

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