This book written by Stephen R. Covey is an excellent read for everybody. It does not matter if your are looking for way to improve the way you lead people, or if you are trying to improve your relationships with others, this book is a must read for everybody. The style and applicability of all the habits described in the book put this book very high in the ranking of "must read" books.
This book premise is to choose a solid base of Values that will make your habits.
Values like integrity, dignity, quality, service, patience, perseverance, caring, courage should guide our lives.
The importance of developing your character is a key message of this book. You can develop your character by continuously and consistently conduct yourself by the set of values previously mentioned.
Humans are what we habitually do, therefore we need to adopt productive habits. Covey defines Excellence as a habit not as an aptitude.
In previous post we have talk about the importance of setting up goals, Covey goes a step forward by clarifying the importance of writing a mission statement for your life. This mission statement will help clarify your principles and the set of goals that you are going to set for yourself.
Successfull relations are built upon trust.
Covey also gives great examples and explanations about balancing all the aspects of your life, spirit, mind and body as well as a balance among all your relationships.
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People are:
1- Be Proactive: This means taking always the initiative.
2- Begin with the end in mind: This refers to focusing on your goals .(you can refer to this post in order to learn more about how to manage your time to accomplish your goals).
3- Put First things first: This refers to setting up priorities.
4- Think Win/Win: We only win when others win.
5- Seek first to understand then to be understood: Probably one of the most important habits (at least in my opinion). In order to have effective communication we need to learn to listen first.
6- Synergize: Cooperation is stronger than individualism.
7- Sharpen the saw: Always keep improving. If you do not have time to sharpen your saw, because you are to busy sawing trees, you will never be able to do a good job.
Next Post I will summarize the first habit. Be proactive
1 comment:
I tell you, this book is life-changing. I read this book over and over again, and every time i read it, i learn something new and something useful. It has help me become more efficient and more effective in personal and professional life.
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