Stephen Covey wrote a profoundly influential book which made a big impact on my life. At a time when most self-help authors were focused on improving your personality, Covey was concerned about your character.
A quick summary of the habits:
1) Be Proactive - accept that while you can't control what happens to you, you can always control how you respond
2) Begin with the End in Mind - imagine what you'd like people to say about you at your funeral, live each day with that vision of your best self in mind
3) First things First - don't let the urgent take precedence over the important - make sure you devot time/energy to your highest priorities
4) Understand before Seeking to Be Understood - make sure you really listen to others, reflect what you hear, before trying to tell them anything
5) Think Win-Win - life works better when you don't see things as a battle, but as an opportunity to allow both/all parties to succeed
6) Synergy - ok, this was a little vague, but basically by working together you can achieve more
7) Sharpen the Saw - make sure to take time to renew yourself - exercise, sleep, recharge, learn new things, and keep yourself operating at the highest levels.
RIP Stephen. Tremendous respect for what you've embodied.
Thanks for writing this. I must admit that I always dismissed 7 Habits as yet another business self-help book full of platitudes. (Without reading it, of course.)
Based on the reaction to his death here on HN however I'll give it a shot.
Thanks for summarizing the 7 principles here. I am familiar with the book as well. However, I am not sure if I should envy or pity the people who feel their lives so incredibly enriched by them, by the majority of accounts almost bordering on the religious. For myself, they are too obvious, shallow and trivial to really have that positive effect that apparently so many are experiencing.
Have similar sentiments about Covey and 7 Habits, so thanks for your post. Wanted to also point out a follow-up book he wrote which I recommend. In "Principle-Centered Leadership"[1], Covey further demonstrates these principles at work. Like Dale Carnegie, Stephen Covey's clear vision of the human condition will continue to have a positive impact on many lives far into the future.
ADDED: I remember feeling compelled to get out a highlighter while reading both of these books (so many gems). Unfortunately, they're in storage, so won't be able to share the things that really stood out. However, there are excellent summaries of both books online if anyone is interested.
Another main thing I took from him was the importance of not compromising on your principles: when faced with two tough decisions where there is no "right" decision, if you stick to your principles even if it may be uncomfortable, you will feel more certain about the decision you made. But if you decide on something else, possibly for convenience, then that is when you get doubts if you really made the better decision.
RIP Stephen. I was fortunate my mom got me your book to read years ago as a teen, and I knew that I wouldn't need to read other "similar" books. I have never read a self-help book and don't consider yours in that category.
"7 habits of highly effective people" was one of the books that I read almost 12 years ago and have skimmed through many times since. As time passed by, things that I couldn't absorb the first time around became more apparent. The book was as profound and relevant when it was written as it is today. RIP Stephen.
A couple of years ago I've read and listened to lots of motivational and self improvement books and audio-books. 7 habit was one of the most insightful I've read. This book has nothing to do with the "get rich quick" category we usually find it in when we go to the library or bookstore.
Copyright note: if this counts as a work of corporate authorship (surely the publisher owns the copyright not the author...but maybe I'm misunderstanding this definition) this book will enter the public domain in 2107. If it counts as a work of the author then public domain will hit in 2082. This assumes they don't extend it any more.
In either case, it's likely that "highly effective people" will have acquired a number of different habits...but maybe our grandchildren will find interest in the comparison.
Color me underwhelmed by Covey's writing. I always found it a bit too obvious, and found it disingenuous that while he spoke at length about the importance of religion and his large family, he never came out and stated that he was Mormon (not that there's anything intrinsically good or bad about that, but ... it's like appearing multiple times on the news as a small businessman without revealing that you're also an officer for a decidedly partisan political organization (http://www.onthemedia.org/2012/jul/13/introducing-joe-olivo/... -- no, not Covey).
His association with Darl McBride (of SCO vs. IBM lawsuit fame) doesn't particularly impress me either, in the "judge 'em by the company they keep" sense. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darl_McBride
Just because something can be summarised in a simple way, doesn't necessarily make it simple to begin with.
Think of all the simple and obvious things we read, write and discuss every day: "find customers before building a product", "don't solve problems you don't have yet", "write tests first before writing code".
These are all "simple and obvious" but you couldn't possibly derive any value from reading only those statements without any discussion or analysis of what they really mean.
Likewise, if we take the stuff Covey says about being "principle centred". Reduced to it's simplest summary this says "base your character on unchanging principles to avoid fluctuations". So simple it's basically axiomatic: of course if you base something on an unchanging foundation, it will be less subject to change than if you didn't.
But without his discussion about what the other options are, what it means to be centred in money, self, family, work etc. you don't have a good enough reference point to judge what action you would need to take in order to change your attitude, behaviour or character.
Beginning as far back as high school his "7 Habits" book had a profound impact on the way I think and feel about relationships and work/life balance. I return to it every few years to look at it with fresh eyes.
I am saddened by this news and will surely take some time today to reflect on the lessons I have taken from his work.
As a laconic geek, Covey's habit #5 "Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood" resonated with me. Actively listening to people to understand them, verifying my understanding, then seeking to help them understand me has served me very well socially and professionally.
Ditto here. Of all the habits, #5 is the one that stood out and intensely/profoundly changed my outlook on relationships.
It's funny how it seems obvious when you read it, but sometimes we need someone else to summarize and restate the obvious to look at it clearly and objectively.
Covey's anecdotes seal the deal: instead of vague platitudes he gives specific (if idealized) examples. Definitely unscientific, but certainly helps understand.
My mentor who was instrumental in nearly all the best things I achieved as an adolescent highly recommended I read 7 Habits, but I never did. It was one of those things I just put off.
One thing I'll say though is that this is how I want to die-- Biking steep roads in the foothills, living to the fullest regardless of age, and then be comforted in the end by my children and their families.
Although "7 habits" is good, Carnegie's "How to win friends and influence people" is still #1 for practical, real-world business and relationship advice, in my mind.
I am sad as if someone from my own family had died.
Since I first read it 10 years ago, I kept calling the 7 habits my "bible" (I am not religious). Every sentence of the book teaches you something new. Each time you read the book, you learn something you.
This book had such a big impact on my personality that I can't recommend it enough.
I even developed a Time Management tool based on his habit 3 First Things First: http://weekplan.net
Stephen, I wish I had attended one of your seminars. I regret I haven't.
I read this book a while ago and it has definitely influenced me in positive ways. I know I'm not the only one who has benefited. I'm sad to hear this news.
Sad news about a distinguished man. His "7 Habits" book was one of the very first books that I read on personal development.
One of the best things about his work is that it focused on deep change and fundamental principles and values, not quick-fixes. He never promised that self-improvement or improving your relationships with others was easy, but he did show many people a way that worked well.
RIP Stephen. I was 17 when I read "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People", a book that has absolutely enlarged my vision about values and guiding principles of various areas of my life. That has changed my life.
Sorry to hear this news. My sympathy to his love ones. Unfortunately, I've never read "7 Habits" but after reading all of the positive comments I will definitely get a copy this week and give it a read.
[+] [-] jasonshen|13 years ago|reply
A quick summary of the habits:
1) Be Proactive - accept that while you can't control what happens to you, you can always control how you respond
2) Begin with the End in Mind - imagine what you'd like people to say about you at your funeral, live each day with that vision of your best self in mind
3) First things First - don't let the urgent take precedence over the important - make sure you devot time/energy to your highest priorities
4) Understand before Seeking to Be Understood - make sure you really listen to others, reflect what you hear, before trying to tell them anything
5) Think Win-Win - life works better when you don't see things as a battle, but as an opportunity to allow both/all parties to succeed
6) Synergy - ok, this was a little vague, but basically by working together you can achieve more
7) Sharpen the Saw - make sure to take time to renew yourself - exercise, sleep, recharge, learn new things, and keep yourself operating at the highest levels.
RIP Stephen. Tremendous respect for what you've embodied.
[+] [-] nostromo|13 years ago|reply
Based on the reaction to his death here on HN however I'll give it a shot.
[+] [-] phylofx|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] joelhaus|13 years ago|reply
ADDED: I remember feeling compelled to get out a highlighter while reading both of these books (so many gems). Unfortunately, they're in storage, so won't be able to share the things that really stood out. However, there are excellent summaries of both books online if anyone is interested.
[1] http://www.amazon.com/Principle-Centered-Leadership-Stephen-...
[+] [-] jc123|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] manpreets7|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] ArcticCelt|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] masukomi|13 years ago|reply
In either case, it's likely that "highly effective people" will have acquired a number of different habits...but maybe our grandchildren will find interest in the comparison.
[+] [-] bloblaw|13 years ago|reply
The best tools and information don't always cost money, but sometimes they do.
[+] [-] mkopinsky|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] unknown|13 years ago|reply
[deleted]
[+] [-] dredmorbius|13 years ago|reply
His association with Darl McBride (of SCO vs. IBM lawsuit fame) doesn't particularly impress me either, in the "judge 'em by the company they keep" sense. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darl_McBride
Covey took an obscure term from psychology and rather utterly changed its meaning. "Responsive" or "anticipatory" work fine. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proactive
Covey's book is decent. It's by no means the best. The truths it speaks are pretty obvious.
And I suppose this is my own take to his principle #2.
[+] [-] dools|13 years ago|reply
Think of all the simple and obvious things we read, write and discuss every day: "find customers before building a product", "don't solve problems you don't have yet", "write tests first before writing code".
These are all "simple and obvious" but you couldn't possibly derive any value from reading only those statements without any discussion or analysis of what they really mean.
Likewise, if we take the stuff Covey says about being "principle centred". Reduced to it's simplest summary this says "base your character on unchanging principles to avoid fluctuations". So simple it's basically axiomatic: of course if you base something on an unchanging foundation, it will be less subject to change than if you didn't.
But without his discussion about what the other options are, what it means to be centred in money, self, family, work etc. you don't have a good enough reference point to judge what action you would need to take in order to change your attitude, behaviour or character.
[+] [-] jonmb|13 years ago|reply
I think most great truths are like that. The Golden Rule is a good example.
[+] [-] brianlash|13 years ago|reply
I am saddened by this news and will surely take some time today to reflect on the lessons I have taken from his work.
[+] [-] kbutler|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] mmatants|13 years ago|reply
It's funny how it seems obvious when you read it, but sometimes we need someone else to summarize and restate the obvious to look at it clearly and objectively.
Covey's anecdotes seal the deal: instead of vague platitudes he gives specific (if idealized) examples. Definitely unscientific, but certainly helps understand.
[+] [-] xiaoma|13 years ago|reply
One thing I'll say though is that this is how I want to die-- Biking steep roads in the foothills, living to the fullest regardless of age, and then be comforted in the end by my children and their families.
This man died well.
[+] [-] powerslave12r|13 years ago|reply
Sorry to hear, it's a great book.
[+] [-] jstalin|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] petdance|13 years ago|reply
Still, the Carnegie book is great.
[+] [-] chaostheory|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] stretchwithme|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] zwieback|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] aymeric|13 years ago|reply
Since I first read it 10 years ago, I kept calling the 7 habits my "bible" (I am not religious). Every sentence of the book teaches you something new. Each time you read the book, you learn something you.
This book had such a big impact on my personality that I can't recommend it enough.
I even developed a Time Management tool based on his habit 3 First Things First: http://weekplan.net
Stephen, I wish I had attended one of your seminars. I regret I haven't.
[+] [-] BadassFractal|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] glaze|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] toblender|13 years ago|reply
She finally started to read it under advice from a mentor, and it is really having an impact on her effectiveness.
It was just yesterday we were discussing some of the points of 7 habits over wine.
RIP Stephen. I will remember to "Sharpen the saw".
[+] [-] qrybam|13 years ago|reply
Good reading for just about anyone.
[+] [-] theorique|13 years ago|reply
One of the best things about his work is that it focused on deep change and fundamental principles and values, not quick-fixes. He never promised that self-improvement or improving your relationships with others was easy, but he did show many people a way that worked well.
[+] [-] kayman|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] fosk|13 years ago|reply
Thanks.
[+] [-] kennethologist|13 years ago|reply