The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
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: Focus on what you can control and take responsibility for your actions rather than blaming others or the situation.
- Habit 2: Begin with the end in mind: Define clear visions and values for your personal and professional life to guide your actions; visualize the outcomes you desire and shape your actions to achieve them.
- Habit 3: Put first things first: Invest time in initiatives aligned to your values and goals; prioritize tasks based on importance, not urgency.
2. Interdependence (public victory)
- Habit 4: Think win-win: Adopt a mindset that seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions, aiming for beneficial solutions for all involved.
- Habit 5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood: Listen empathetically to others before expressing your own views to create open and trusting communications.
- Habit 6: Synergize: Value and leverage the strengths of others through effective teamwork, producing better results than individuals working alone.
3. Renewal
- Habit 7: Sharpen the saw: Regularly renew and strengthen yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to maintain and enhance your effectiveness.
In the blog
- P/PC Balance, a principle that is explored throughout the book
- Stewardship delegation, part of the third habit: Put first things first
- Time Management Matrix, part of the third habit: Put first things first
