The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Rating:
Awards:
Author: Stephen R. Covey.
Narrator: Franklin Covey Co.
Category: Business & Management.
Publisher: Franklin Covey Co.
Release Date: 2004.
Length: 12 hours and 58 min.
Unabridged.

An Overview:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey is one of the most respected motivator’s in business today. In this, audio book the author Stephen R. Covey teaches a set of principles involving a new and fresh look at our current perceptions and interpretations of how things work in this world.

Main Body:
Using a step-by-step methodology, he teaches how to be proactive by taking the initiative and responsibility to make things happen in both our business and personal lives. By using proven principles that help us to adapt to change and take advantage of the opportunities that those changes present. In 1989, Stephen R. Covey published the original version of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.

Despite the title, which has been the butt of countless jokes, the book has been one of the fundamental works used in teaching business practices. My first exposure to it was during my first time working with a direct sales company. They spoke highly of his work, not just as a means to build a stronger business, but also as a series of tools to help with personal goals.

The book talks about seven principles. If these habits are formed, Covey says, one will develop timeless ethics and optimal personal effectiveness. The first principle is to be proactive. By assuming personal responsibility for your life, you maintain the ability to choose what direction your actions will take. You, as a human, have the ability to objectively observe your behavior and change, if you deem it necessary or appropriate.

The second principle is to begin with the end in mind. As I’m sure everyone has heard countless times, it is impossible to achieve without having a goal. He encourages visualization as a means by which this is developed. Third, Covey teaches to put first things first. Prioritizing is critical, as much time is wasted on what seems important at the time but retrospective was just a momentary distraction.

He recommends learning to delegate when appropriate, as this helps with proper time management. Think Win/Win is the fourth principle. This is a chapter where Covey teaches that working to find mutually beneficial solutions for all parties is the best approach. The fifth principle is to seek first to understand and then to be understood. Always, always take the time to use active listening skills to hear what the other people are saying before offering suggestions.

Synergize, one of my favorite words, is the sixth principle. Strictly speaking, synergism is when you get a total that is greater than the sum of the parts. In this case, Covey is referring to how a team can accomplish more than a group of individuals. He offers suggestions on how to best take advantage of this habit. Lastly, the seventh principle is to sharpen the saw.

Stephen Covey believes that taking the time for personal renewal is required in order to permit you to accomplish your other, more external, goals. To be totally honest, many of these principles were familiar to me when I read this book the first time. However, 7 Habits for Highly Effective People consolidates the key points and explains in such a way that it is easy to understand. This book is a must read for anyone with dreams.

The Narration:
Covey’s talent for speaking is obvious during this reading.

Reviewed by Peter Markovic.

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