Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People

Kim Tooley ED 767 Spring 2010

Seven Habits of Highly Effective People By Stephen Covey

Stephen Covey is well known for writing about leadership. He begins this book with an observation that all people view the world differently and from their own unique “lens”. Covey talks about how each of us have an ideal view and map of how we perceive the world and how we think the world should be. He writes, “The way we see things is the source of the way we think and the way we act.” He points out that our attitudes and behaviors are shaped by these paradigms. To try and change outward attitudes and behaviors does little good in the long run if we fail to examine the source from which the attitudes and behaviors flow. Covey points out that effectively changing our attitudes and behaviors involves making a “paradigm shift” which causes us to perceive things differently. I believe effective leaders have to do this but many do not take the time to examine the way they look at things and how these views shape their understanding of themselves and the world around them. Covey points out that our paradigms will affect the way we interact with others, which in turn will affect how they interact with us. I found this to be one of the most important points of the entire text. We interact with others all day, every day. Our interactions either enhance our life or damage it. Effective communication is one of the most important qualities a leader can possess and to perfect being an effective communicator, I agree with Covey, that we have to continually evaluate our inner thoughts and character to continue to grow in effective communication with all people. Covey presents an “inside-out” approach to being an effective leader that is centered on principles and character. He explains that change starts from within oneself. For many of us, I believe, this takes time and effort to look within ourselves and challenge our beliefs, actions and character. Effective leaders need to continually challenge themselves so growth can take place. Covey believes that our character is a collection of our habits that have a powerful role in our lives. He states that character consists of “knowledge, skill and desire. Knowledge allows us to know what to do, skill gives us the ability to know how to do it, and desire is the motivation to do it. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People moves through three stages. The first is dependence, to independence and finally to interdependence. Covey points out than in environments that require leadership and team playing leaders must be interdependent and achieve goals and outcomes with others and not independently. I had never thought about such stages or that interdependence was more important than being independent but it makes so much sense to me now. Being an independent leader does not allow for all stakeholders to be involved. The old saying of “two heads are better than one” to solve problems is a prime example of this habit. Covey goes through his seven habits and moves the reader on a path of self reflection and change. He strives for leaders to continually be improving their actions and character. This does take time but can be mastered by effective leaders. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People By Stephen Covey

Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits are a simple set of rules for life. Each habit is adaptable to anyone and is worthy of following and adopting in life. Here is an overview of each habit.

Habit 1 – Be Productive Covey explains this habit as the ability to control one’s environment rather than have it control you. Covey explains that you must have self determination, choice and the power to decide your response to stimulus, conditions and circumstances.

Habit 2 – Begin With the End in Mind Covey calls this the habit of personal leadership or leading oneself towards what you consider your aims. This is the belief that developing the habit of concentrating on relevant activities you will build a platform to avoid distractions and become more productive and successful.

Habit 3 – Put First Things First This is the habit of personal management. It is about organizing and implementing activities that are in line with the goals established in habit 2. While habit 2 deals with the mental aspect this habit deals with the physical.

Habit 4 – Think Win-Win This is the belief of interpersonal leadership. Covey states this is necessary because achievements are largely independent on co-operative efforts with others. Covey believes that success follows a co-operative approach more naturally than the confrontation or win-or-lose mentality.

Habit 5 – Seek First To Understand and Then To Be Understood This is Covey’s habit of communication. He uses the analogy of “diagnose before you prescribe”. He states that this habit is essential for developing and maintaining positive relationships in all aspects of life.

Habit 6 – Synergize Covey says this is the habit of creative co-operation or the principle that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. He points out the importance of always seeing the good and potential in the other person’s contribution.

Habit 7 – Sharpen the Saw This is the habit of self renewal. Covey believes this habit necessarily surrounds all the other habits, enabling and encouraging them to happen and grow. Covey interprets the self into four parts: the spiritual, mental, physical and the social/emotional, and he says all need feeding and developing.