The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People - Steven Covey - Summary

First chapter

Principles are the territory. Values are maps. If values are aligned to principles, there become effective.  A band of thieves may also have values. But they are not acceptable values.

Principles are supported by all major religions. They are not religion specific. They seem to be part of human consciousness. May be our adherence to them is of various degrees. If we can increase adherence, more persons will effective in their life. They will be happy and society will have more happiness.

Covey recommends inside out approach. First work on yourself and then relate to others.

First private victory. Then public victory. First three principles are concerned with private  victory. Next three with public victory. The last one is all embracing.

Covey also says growth or evolution of a human being from dependence - independence to interdependence.

Interdependence is the social relationships. It is participation of an individual in the happiness and well being of the society. In an interdependent network of relationships the individual is not dependent, he is independent but as a member of society he participates in interdependent relationships.

One more point covey makes is P - PC paradigm. To get required production on a long term basis, we have to take care of production capability (PC). This is equal to task orientation and people orientation generalized to a larger concept. They has to be balance between P and PC.

Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

1. Be Proactive

2. Begin with the End in Mind

3. Put First Things First

4. Think Win - Win

5. Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood.

6. Synergise

7. Sharpen the Saw

What is a habit? 

It is a combination of knowledge, skill and motivation.


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