Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

What: Learn Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits paradigm.
Why: It will set you up for lasting personal and interpersonal success.


The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change, by Stephen Covey (First published in 1989).

Our Recommendation:

This is one of our top 5 leadership books of all time. Bain Capital, Marriott International, and Jet Blue are just a few of the many amazing companies founded by Mormon leaders who undoubtedly leveraged the wise teachings of the late Stephen Covey. ​If read and followed, it will bring focus to not only your business but also to your life.

Here are Covey’s 7 Habits as he lays them out to give you a sense of his framework.

A. PARADIGM: Inside-Out

B. PRIVATE VICTORY
1. Be Proactive
2. Begin with the End in Mind
3. Put First Things First

C. PUBLIC VICTORY
4. Think Win/Win
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
6. Synergize

D. RENEWAL
7. Sharpen the Saw

Some other useful tools explained as well:

  • Whole is Greater than Sum of Parts
  • Empathic Listening
  • P/PC Balance
  • Have’s vs Be’s
  • Other End of the Stick
  • Character Ethics vs Personality Ethics

From Amazon.com:
​What are the habits of successful people? The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has captivated readers for 25 years. It has transformed the lives of Presidents and CEOs, educators, parents, and students—in short, millions of people of all ages and occupations have benefited from Dr. Covey’s 7 Habits book. And, it can transform you.​

Purchase from Amazon here.

If we at Small Business LIFT can help you or your leadership team work through some strategic challenges, please don’t hesitate to schedule an exploratory call below.

Dave Sue

Dave Sue, our Small Business Strategy and Marketing Lead, has focused on small businesses since 2014. Access his ex-BCG, Macys, NYU MBA, and other experiences.