Practical Wisdom: What Do the ‘7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ Teach Us?

Stephen Covey's 'The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People', published in 1990, is a crucial book for personal and professional development. It advocates for change and becoming more effective humans. Implementing these habits requires a shift in behavior and mindset. A Leadership Training program on the 7 Habits can help successfully apply these ideas in daily life. Here is what you can learn from the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People:

a) Habit 1: Be Proactive

In the first habit of ‘7 Habits of Highly Effective People,’ Covey emphasizes the power of self-determination and choice in our environment, highlighting the ability to control our reactions to stimuli and circumstances. He uses the story of Viktor Frankl, a concentration camp inmate, to illustrate this point, emphasizing the importance of finding meaning in all forms of existence, including the most brutal, and thus a reason to live.

b) Habit 2: Begin With The End In Mind

Covey's second habit is to focus on the end game, aiming for big goals. This habit helps avoid distractions, enhances productivity, and leads to success. It's called 'personal leadership,' which involves leading oneself towards achieving these goals. This habit, he says, is crucial for personal growth and success.

c) Habit 3: Put First Things First

Habit 3 of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Covey involves planning and carrying out activities according to the goals outlined in Habit 2. For example, starting a business requires hard work, including writing a business plan, financial forecast, and project plan, which outlines the activities and actions needed to achieve the goal.

d) Habit 4: Think Win-Win

Covey's 'interpersonal leadership' concept emphasizes the significance of collaborative efforts and engagement in achieving success. He believes that success naturally follows a cooperative approach with a win-win mindset, ensuring everyone feels better about the outcome. Based on this approach, this book can be considered the 7 Habits of Highly Successful People Book, which emphasizes confidence among individuals in terms of the results they anticipate. 

e) Habit 5: Seek First To Understand And Then To Be Understood

Listening carefully and asking clarifying questions is a powerful habit that improves relationships. In a doctor's office, doctors listen, ask probing questions, gather data, and continuously gather insights to make a medically sound diagnosis. This process allows for the prescription of the most appropriate treatment, as Covey's words suggest: 'diagnose before you prescribe'.

f) Habit 6: Synergize

Teamwork, as described by Covey, is a habit of creative cooperation that benefits more than the sum of its parts. It involves recognizing everyone's voice and contribution, including both extroverted and introverted individuals. In sports, true teamwork is essential for success, as seen in a rugby lineout where each player understands their role.

g) Habit 7: Sharpen The Saw

Covey's self-renewal habit, divided into four components: spiritual, mental, physical, and social/emotional, is crucial for achieving success in life. Nurturing all four parts is essential, as many entrepreneurs burn out due to a lack of self-care. Self-care is essential for maintaining stamina and achieving success, as it surrounds all other habits and encourages their development.

Conclusion

The '7 Habits of Highly Effective People' is a comprehensive guide for a more fulfilling life. It is a fascinating read, with concepts that may be difficult to comprehend. Sean Covey, Stephen Covey's son, also wrote best-selling books, including '7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens', 'The 7 Habits of Happy Kids', and '4 Disciplines of Execution.' It's time to create a career and life you enjoy.