The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Stephen R. Covey

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People embody many of the fundamental principles of human effectiveness. These habits are basic; they are primary. They represent the internalization of correct principles upon which enduring happiness and success are based. Effectiveness lies in the balance - P/PC Balance. P stands for production of desired results; PC stands for production capability.

The Seven Habits Paradigm

1.	Be Proactive	Dependence	Private Victory
2.	Begin with the End in Mind
3.	Put First Things First	Independence
4.	Think Win/Win		Public Victory
5.	Seek First to Understand, Then to be understood	Interdependence
6.	Synergize
7.	Sharpen the Saw

Habit 1: Be Proactive

Principles of Personal Vision

The problems we face fall in one of three areas: direct control, indirect control and no control. Direct control problems are solved by working on our habits. Indirect control are solved by changing our methods of influence. No control problems involve taking the responsibility to change the line on the bottom of our face - to smile, to genuinely and peacefully accept these problems and learn to live with them. 

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind

Principles of Personal Leadership

Begin with the end in mind is based on the principle that all things are created twice. There is a mental or first creation and a physical or second creation to all things. Habit 2 is based on principles of personal leadership, which means that leadership is the first creation. Leadership is not management. Management is the second creation.

Habit 3: Put First Things First

Principles of Personal Management

Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. Management is the breaking down, the analysis, the sequencing, the specific application, the time-bound left-brain aspect of effective self-government. It deals with time management: Organize and execute around priorities.

Habit 4: Think Win/Win

Principles of Interpersonal Leadership

In the Win/Win agreement, the following five elements are made very explicit:

Desired Result: identify what is to be done and when
Guidelines: specify the parameters within which results are to be accomplished
Resources: identify human, financial, technical or organizational support available to help accomplish the results.
Accountability: sets up the standards of performance and the time of evaluation.
Consequences: specify what does and will happen as a result of the evaluation

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be understood

Principles of Empathic Communication

Seek first to understand involves a very deep shift in paradigm in listening, which we known as empathic listening, or listening with intent to understand. Empathic listening takes time, but it doesn't take anywhere near as much time as it takes to back up and correct misunderstandings. Knowing how to be understood is the other half of Habit 5, and is equally critical in reaching Win/Win solutions.

Habit 6: Synergize

Principles of Creative Cooperation

Synergy means that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It is about celebrating the differences, enjoy teamwork, open-mindedness and finding new and better ways.

Compromise is 1 + 1 = 1 1/2
Cooperation is 1 + 1 = 2
Synergy is 1 + 1 = 3 or more

5 Steps getting to Synergy:

1. Define the problem or opportunity
2. Seek first to understand the ideas of others
3. Seek to be understood by sharing your ideas
4. Brainstorm to create new options and ideas
5. Find the best solution

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

Principles of Balanced Self-Renewal

Habit 7 is personal PC. It's renewing the four dimensions of our nature:

1. Physical - Exercise, Nutrition, Stress Management
2. Spiritual - Value Clarification & Commitment, Study & Meditation
3. Mental - Reading, Visualizing, Planning, Writing
4. Social/Emotional - Service, Empathy, Synergy, Intrinsic Security

PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT

 

 

I will seek to balance career and family as best I can since both are important to me.

 

                My home will be a place where I and my family, friends, and guests find joy, comfort, peace, and happiness. Still I will seek to create a clean and orderly environment, yet livable and comfortable. I will exercise wisdom in what we choose to eat, read, see, and do at home.  I especially want to teach my children to love, to learn, and to laugh - and to work and develop their unique talents.

 

                I will be a self-starting individual who exercises initiative in accomplishing my life’s goals. I will act on situations and opportunities, rather to be acted upon.

 

                I will always try to keep myself free from addictive and destructive habits. I will develop habits that free me from old labels and limits and expand my capabilities and choices.

 

                My money will be my servant, not my master. I will seek financial independence over time. My wants will be subject to my needs and my means. Except for long term home and car loans, I will seek to keep myself free from consumer debt. I will spend less than I earn and regularly save or invest part of my income,

               

                Moreover, I will use what money and talents I have to make life more enjoyable for others through service and charitable giving.