The seven habits of highly effective peoples

                

                   Page no 1

 Stephen Covey has written a remarkable book about the human condition, so elegantly 

written, so understanding of our embedded concerns, so useful for our organization and 

personal lives, that it's going to be my gift to everyone I know. 

-- Warren Bennis, author of On Becoming a Leader 

I've never known any teacher or mentor on improving personal effectiveness to generate 

such an Overwhelmingly positive reaction.... This book captures beautifully Stephen's 

philosophy of principles. I think anyone reading it will quickly understand the enormous 

reaction I and others have had to Dr.Covey's teachings. 

-- John Pepper, President, Procter and Gamble 

Stephen Covey is an American Socrates, opening your mind to the 'permanent things' -- 

values, family, relationships, communicating. 

-- Brian Tracy, author of Psychology of Achievement 

Stephen R. Covey's book teaches with power, conviction, and feeling. Both the content 

and the methodology of these principles form a solid foundation for effective 

communication. As an educator, I think this book to be a significant addition to my 

library. 

-- William Rolfe Kerr, Utah Commissioner of Higher Education 

Few students of management and organization -- and people -- have thought as long and 

hard about first principles as Stephen Covey. In The Seven Habits of Highly Effective 

People, he offers us an opportunity, not a how-to guide. The opportunity is to explore our 

impact and ourselves on others, and to do so by taking advantage of his profound 

insights. It is a wonderful book that could change your life. 

-- Tom Peters, author of In Search of Excellence 

The ethical basis for human relations in this book defines a way of life, not just a 

methodology for succeeding at business. That it works is apparent. 

-- Bruce L. Christensen, President, Public Broadcasting Service 

At a time when American organizations desperately need to energize people and 

produce leaders at all levels, Covey provides an empowering philosophy for life that is 

also the best guarantee of success in business...a perfect blend of wisdom, compassion, 

and practical experience. 

-- Rosabeth Moss Kanter, editor of the Harvard Business Review and author of When 

Giants Learn to Dance 

I have learned so much from Stephen Covey over the years that every time I sit down to 

write, I'm worried about subconscious plagiarism! Seven Habits is not pop psychology or 

trendy self-help. It is solid wisdom and sound principles. 

-- Richard M. Eyre, author of Life Balance and Teaching Children Values 

We could do well to make the reading and use of this book a requirement for anyone at 

any level of public service. It would be far more effective than any legislation regarding 

ethical conduct. 

-- Senator Jake Garn, first senator in space 

When Stephen Covey talks, executives listen. -- Dun's Business Month 

Stephen Covey's inspirational book will undoubtedly be the psychology handbook of the 

'90s. The principles discussed are universal and can be applied to every aspect of life.

          Page no 2

These principles, however, are like an opera. They cannot simply be performed, they 

must be rehearsed! 

 -- Ariel Bybee, mezzo-soprano, Metropolitan Opera 

I found this book stimulating and thought-provoking. In fact, I keep referring to it. 

-- Richard M. DeVos, President, Amway 

 Winning is a habit. So is losing. Twenty-five years of experience, thought, and research 

have convinced Covey that seven habits distinguish the happy, healthy, successful from 

those who fail or who must sacrifice meaning and happiness for success in the narrow 

sense. 

-- Ron Zemke, coauthor of The Service Edge and Service America 

Stephen R. Covey is a marvelous human being. He writes insightfully and he cares about 

people.The equivalent of an entire library of success literature is found in this one 

volume. The principles he teaches in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People have 

made a real difference in my life. 

-- Ken Blanchard, Ph.D., author of The One-Minute Manager 

The Seven Habits are keys to success for people in all walks of life. It is very thought￾provoking. 

-- Edward A. Brennan, Chairman, President and CEO, Sears, Roebuck and Company 

Covey validates the durable truths as they apply to family, business, and society in 

general, sparing us the psycho-babble that pollutes so much of current literature on 

human relations. His book is not a photograph, but a process, and should be treated as 

such. He is neither an optimist nor a pessimist, but a possibilist, who believes that we and 

we alone can open the door to change within ourselves. There are many more than seven 

good reasons to read this book. 

 -- Steve Labunski, Executive Director, International Radio and Television Society 

 Knowledge is the quickest and safest path to success in any area of life. Stephen Covey 

has encapsulated the strategies used by all those who are highly effective. Success can be 

learned and this book is a highly effective way to learn it. 

-- Charles Givens, President, Charles J. Givens Organization, Inc., author of Wealth 

Without Risk 

I know of no one who has contributed more to helping leaders in our society than 

Stephen R. Covey.... There is no literate person in our society who would not benefit by 

reading this book and applying its principles 

-- Senator Orrin G. Hatch 

One of the greatest habits you can develop is to learn and internalize the wisdom of 

Stephen Covey. He lives what he says and this book can help you live, permanently, in 

the "Winner's Circle." 

 -- Dr. Denis Waitley, author of The Psychology of Winning 

 It's powerful reading. His principles of vision, leadership, and human relations make it a 

practical teaching tool for business leaders today. I highly recommend it. 

-- Nolan Archibald, President and CEO, Black and Decker 

         Page no 3

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People suggests a discipline for our personal 

dealings withpeople which would be undoubtedly valuable if people stopped to think 

about it. 

-- James C. Fletcher, Director, NASA 

 A wonderful contribution. Dr. Covey has synthesized the habits of our highest achievers 

and presented them in a powerful, easy-to-use program. We now have a blueprint for 

opening the American mind. 

-- Charles Garfield, author of Peak Performer 

Seven Habits is an exceptional book. It does a better job of inspiring a person to integrate 

the different responsibilities in one's life -- personal, family, and professional – than any 

other book I have read. 

 -- Paul H. Thompson, Dean, Marriott School of Management, BYU and author of 

Novation 

Goodbye, Dale Carnegie. Stephen Covey has had a profound influence on my life. His 

principles are powerful. They work. Buy this book. Read, it, and as you live the principles 

your life will be enriched. 

-- Robert G. Allen, author of Creating Wealth and Nothing Down 

In the '90s America needs to unlock the door to increased productivity both on a business 

and personal basis. The best way to accomplish this goal is through enhancing the human 

resource. Dr. Covey's Seven Habits provides the guidelines for this to happen. These 

principles make great sense and are right on target for the time. 

-- F.G. "Buck" Rodgers, author of The IBM Way 

This book is filled with practical wisdom for people who want to take control of their 

lives, their business and their careers. Each time I read a section again I get new insights, 

which suggests the messages are fundamental and deep. 

-- Gifford Pinchot III, author of Intrapreneuring 

Most of my learning has come from modeling after other people and what they do. 

Steve's book helps energize this modeling process through highly effective research and 

examples. 

 -- Fran Tarkenton, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback 

Not only does the "character ethic" win hands down every time over the "personality 

ethic" in the battle of effectiveness, it also will bring greater fulfillment and joy to 

individuals seeking meaning in their personal and professional lives. 

-- Larry Wilson, author of Changing the Game: The New Way to Sell 

Fundamentals are the key to success. Stephen Covey is a master of them. Buy this book, 

but most importantly, use it! 

-- Anthony Robbins, author of Unlimited Power 

This book contains the kind of penetrating truth about human nature that is usually 

found only in fiction. At the end, you will feel not only that you know Covey, but also 

that he knows you 

--Orson Scott Card, winner of the Hugo and Nebula Awards 

                  Page no 4

Stephen Covey adds great value to any individual or organization, not just through his 

words. His vision and integrity -- his personal example -- move people beyond mere 

success. 

-- Tom F. Crum, cofounder, The Windstar Foundation, and author of The Magic of 

Conflict 

With all the responsibilities and demands of time, travel, work, and families placed upon 

us in today's competitive world, it's a big plus to have Stephen Covey's The Seven Habits 

of Highly Effective People to refer to. 

 -- Marie Osmond 

In The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey serves up a seven-course 

meal on how to take control of one's life and become the complete, fulfilling person one 

envisions. It is a satisfying, energetic, step-by-step book that is applicable for personal 

and business progress. 

-- Roger Staubach, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback 

The conclusions he draws in this book underscore the need to restore the character ethic 

in our society. This work is a valuable addition to the literature of self-help. 

-- W. Clement Stone, founder, Success Magazine 

Stephen Covey's deliberate integration of life and principles leads to squaring inner 

thought and outward behavior, resulting in personal as well as public integrity. 

-- Gregory J. Newell, U.S. Ambassador to Sweden 

          Page no 5

In more than 25 years of working with people in business, university, and marriage and 

family settings, I have come in contact with many individuals who have achieved an 

incredible degree of outward success, but have found themselves struggling with an 

inner hunger, a deep need for personal congruency and effectiveness and for healthy, 

growing relationships with other people. 

I suspect some of the problems they have shared with me may be familiar to you. 

I've set and met my career goals and I'm having tremendous professional success. But it's 

cost me my personal and family life. I don't know my wife and children anymore. I'm not 

even sure I know myself and what's really important to me. I've had to ask myself -- is it 

worth it? 

I've started a new diet -- for the fifth time this year. I know I'm overweight, and I really 

want to change. I read all the new information, I set goals, I get myself all psyched up 

with a positive mental attitude and tell myself I can do it. But I don't. After a few weeks, I 

fizzle. I just can't seem to keep a promise I make to myself. 

I've taken course after course on effective management training. I expect a lot out of my 

employees and I work hard to be friendly toward them and to treat them right. But I 

don't feel any loyalty from them. I think if I were home sick for a day, they'd spend most 

of their time gabbing at the water fountain. Why can't I train them to be independent and 

responsible -- or find employees who can be? 

My teenage son is rebellious and on drugs. No matter what I try, he won't listen to me. 

What can I do? 

 There's so much to do. And there's never enough time. I feel pressured and hassled 

all day, every day, seven days a week. I've attended time management seminars and I've 

tried half a dozen different planning systems. They've helped some, but I still don't feel 

I'm living the happy, productive, peaceful life I want to live. 

 I want to teach my children the value of work. But to get them to do anything, I have to 

supervise every move; and put up with complaining every step of the way. It's so much 

easier to do it myself. Why can't children do their work cheerfully and without being 

reminded? 

I'm busy -- really busy. But sometimes I wonder if what I'm doing will make a difference 

in the long run. I'd really like to think there was meaning in my life, that somehow things 

were different because I was here. I see my friends or relatives achieve some degree of 

success or receive some recognition, and I smile and congratulate them enthusiastically. 

But inside, I'm eating my heart out. Why do I feel this way?