STEVEN COVEY AND THE SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE

In 1989 Steven Covey published what was to become the most effective book for business people of the 90’s. As a carry-on of professor Peter Drucker’s thoughts in the 60’s, Covey postulated that “effectiveness is a habit.” He talked about aligning one’s values with so- called “universal and timless principles”. But he says that one must not confuse principles with values. Values govern people’s behaviour but principles ultimately determine the consequences.
Covey set out his Habits in the following way:
Habit 1. Be proactive.
Habit 2. Begin with the end in mind.
Habit 3. Put first things first.
Habit 4. Think win/win.
Habit 5. Seek first to understand
Habit 6. Synergize
Habit 7. Sharpen the saw.

These habits are all open to personal interpretation, but they are effective, no matter how you use them. Covey’s latest book is called “The 8th Habit—From Effectiveness to Greatness.” He talks in it about carrying on the habits and helping others to find the magic as well.
Advocates of his work point out that the author and lecturer consistently opposes “quick fix solutions to life of business problems." To this day Professor Covey continues to have a strong influence on serious business students and he also boasts many successful business giants of today as his followers.