Stephen Covey resided in Provo, Utah, with his wife and family. He was a father to nine children and had fifty grandchildren. In recognition of his dedication to fatherhood, he was honored with the Fatherhood Award from the National Fatherhood Initiative in 2003.
Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” has become a staple in personal development and leadership training, universally praised for its timeless principles. Some claim that these principles are rooted in Covey’s Mormon faith, but a closer examination reveals a different story. While Covey’s religious upbringing undoubtedly influenced his worldview, the habits themselves are not derived solely from Mormon doctrine but rather reflect universal truths about human behavior and success, summarized in three simple words … basic common sense.
Covey’s faith may have provided a foundation for his work, but the principles in “7 Habits” resonate universally. They are not confined to Mormon doctrine but are universal truths about personal and professional effectiveness, as observed by a Jewish Rabbi who has found similar principles within the Torah.
Rabbi Eli Deutsch is based in Jerusalem and lectures internationally, weaving together topics in relationship building, personal growth, and Chassidic Thought.
Habit 1: Be Proactive
The first thing the Jew is told to do in the morning, according to the Code of Jewish Law, is to “wake up like a lion.” By waking up with vigor and not hitting the snooze button, I make the statement that just as God is beyond the limits of time, I, too, can stretch those limits and not allow myself to be “pushed around” by time. Rather, I will act with ferocious strength and seize the day.
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
In Lecha Dodi, the song that welcomes the Shabbat on Friday night, we sing “that which is last in action is first in thought”. The fact that Shabbat was created last testifies to its being the ultimate purpose and goal of all of creation. In a sense we can say that God “began with the end in mind” – and Shabbat is the day the lends purpose to everything we do during the week since Shabbat is the day that is set aside for experiencing all that has been built up during the week.
Notably, Rabbi Eli Deutsch further demonstrates the universality of Covey’s insights by establishing a clear link between each of the remaining five habits and specific teachings from the Jewish tradition.
Moral authority comes from following universal and timeless principles like honesty, integrity, treating people with respect.
– Stephen Covey
The legacy woven in “7 Habits” is universal and timeless.
“7 Habits” can apply to individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their religious beliefs. Many Fortune 100 companies embraced his methods and he became a business consultant to many of them.
After completing his MBA at Harvard in 1957, Covey dedicated three years to missionary work in Ireland for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During this time, his aptitude for public speaking and focus on developing Mormon leaders ignited a passion for the human aspects of successful organizations. Upon returning to Salt Lake City with his family, he assumed a role as assistant to the president of Brigham Young University in Provo, where he held various administrative positions. In 1970, he transitioned to an associate professorship within the university’s business department.
Stephen Covey was renowned for embodying the principles he promoted. He was widely seen as a person of integrity, discipline, and strong principles. Covey lived by the values he discussed in his books and speeches, consistently focusing on personal development and effectiveness.
Although it may be challenging to confirm if he adhered to every single habit he outlined at all times, Covey was generally viewed as someone who truly believed in and practiced the principles he taught. He was dedicated to his own personal growth and effectiveness throughout his life.
Covey’s teachings were rooted in timeless values and principles that he considered crucial for both personal and professional success. He encouraged individuals to strive for continuous improvement, take proactive steps, prioritize important tasks, seek mutually beneficial solutions, and understand others before seeking to be understood, collaborate effectively, and invest in self-renewal.
In essence, Stephen Covey was perceived as someone who genuinely embodied the principles he advocated, striving to integrate them into his daily life, including a strong bond with his own family.
Leadership is communicating others’ worth and potential so clearly that they are inspired to see it in themselves.
– Stephen Covey
To Stephen, more important than his professional work was his work with his family. Stephen was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and spent a considerable amount of time with his immediate and extended family, getting together for vacations, games, celebrations, birthdays, and events of all kinds, and having one-on-one time with each of his children and grandchildren, which he loved doing. Stephen truly believed that the greatest work we do is within the four walls of our own homes and was a model of a loving and committed husband and father to the end.
Ronald Heifetz, director of the Leadership Education Project at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government: “He is packaging common sense as if it were original and making a fortune doing it.”
Renowned for his groundbreaking work in Principle-Centered Leadership, Stephen Covey is recognized globally as a leading expert on empowerment. His innovative methods have been embraced by countless organizations across the world, including a significant number of Fortune 500 companies. Covey’s influence extends to diverse areas such as quality enhancement, leadership development, fostering innovation, building trust, cultivating teamwork, prioritizing customer service, and achieving organizational alignment.
Stephen Covey earned a prominent place among the world’s most esteemed management thinkers. His seminal work, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” published in 1989, became a global sensation, selling millions and spawning a lucrative business empire. Covey’s unique blend of self-help wisdom and business acumen propelled him to international acclaim and secured a five-year spot on bestseller lists.
In 1996, Time magazine honored him as one of the 25 most influential Americans, recognizing his profound impact on personal and professional development. While some critics found his ideas simplistic, Covey’s accessible advice resonated deeply with countless individuals, transforming many of his principles into household concepts. His legacy as a champion of personal empowerment and effectiveness continues to inspire and guide people worldwide.
No one can accuse this man of not practicing what he preaches. In his The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, which spent 250 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list, Stephen Covey draws a distinction between what he calls the Circle of Concern and the Circle of Influence. The first circle contains things that people worry about–the weather, the stock market, the war in Bosnia–but can do little or nothing about; the second comprises problems–job performance, household budget, social activities–that they can control. “Proactive people,” he writes, “focus their efforts in the Circle of Influence.”
Over the past 25 years, the “proactive” (translation: the opposite of “reactive”) Covey has pushed his circle of influence toward the global. He has met with President Clinton and consulted over the phone with House Speaker Newt Gingrich. His Covey Leadership Center, founded in Provo, Utah, 13 years ago with a staff of two, employs 700 and last year grossed $78 million. The center–and Covey’s inspirational lectures across the country–have drawn thousands of aspiring trainees, including employees of more than half the Fortune 500 companies and the U.S. Postal Service. Entire communities have adopted Covey’s management ideas. Steve Helmich, president of the Chamber of Commerce in Columbus, Indiana (pop. 36,000), says the Covey regimen has made his town a better place to live. “It may sound a little warm and fuzzy,” he concedes, “but I know this methodology works.”
Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.
– Stephen Covey
Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” stands out as a transformative self-help resource, offering timeless principles that many find immensely valuable. Despite some criticisms regarding cultural sensitivity, an oversimplified worldview, and an emphasis on personal responsibility, Covey’s book has made a significant impact on countless readers. Its structured approach to personal development and effectiveness resonates with individuals seeking practical guidance for improving their lives. The book’s emphasis on proactive behavior, prioritization, and continuous improvement provides a solid foundation for personal and professional growth. While it may not cater to everyone’s needs perfectly, the positive influence it has had on millions attests to its enduring relevance and effectiveness.
Stephen Richards Covey (October 24, 1932 – July 16, 2012) was an American educator, author, businessman, and speaker. His most popular book is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. His other books include First Things First, Principle-Centered Leadership, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families, The 8th Habit, and The Leader In Me: How Schools and Parents Around the World Are Inspiring Greatness, One Child at a Time. In 1996, Time magazine named him one of the 25 most influential people. He was a professor at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University (USU) at the time of his death.
Covey was born to Stephen Glenn Covey and Irene Louise Richards Covey in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 24, 1932. Louise was the daughter of Stephen L Richards, an apostle and counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) to David O. McKay. Covey was the grandson of Stephen Mack Covey who founded the original Little America Wyoming near Granger, Wyoming. He was athletic as a youth but suffered from a slipped capital femoral epiphysis in junior high school, requiring him to change his focus to academics and a member of the debate team and graduated from high school early.
Covey earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Utah, an MBA from the Harvard Business School (HBS), and a Doctor of Religious Education from Brigham Young University (BYU). He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He was awarded ten honorary doctorates.
Covey was heavily influenced by Peter Drucker and Carl Rogers. Another key influence on his thinking was his study of American self-help books that he did for his doctoral dissertation. A further influence on Covey was his affiliation with the LDS Church. According to Clayton Christensen, The Seven Habits was a secular distillation of Latter-day Saint values.
Covey was a practicing member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a two-year mission in England for the Church. Beginning in July 1962, Covey served as the first president of the church’s Irish Mission. Starting in 1973, Covey served for a time as a mission representative of the Quorum of the Twelve, where he oversaw training of missionaries in missions in the eastern United States.
In April 2012, Covey was riding a bike in Rock Canyon Park in Provo, Utah, when he lost control and fell. He was wearing a helmet but according to his daughter, the helmet slipped and his head hit the pavement. She said Covey “went down a hill too fast and flipped forward on the bike. It was a pretty big goose egg on the top of his head.” Covey also suffered cracked ribs and a partially collapsed lung.
Covey died from complications resulting from the bike accident at the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on July 16, 2012, at the age of 79.
Today, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Stephen Covey, who passed away this morning at age 79 in Idaho Falls. He was loved and respected by many and will most certainly be missed.
He was an inspiration to millions, a revolutionary problem solver, and an icon for business managers everywhere. It is impossible to calculate the immense amount of good that Stephen Covey did for so many people. His insight helped to shape the future of an untold number of businesses, resulting in better jobs and indeed better lives for people around the world.
“Successful people are simply those with successful habits.”
— Stephen R. Covey
Stephen R. Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” focuses on proactivity, goal setting, prioritization, win-win thinking, understanding others, synergy, and self-renewal, which have resonated with readers worldwide. Covey’s emphasis on principles and character over mere skills has proven to be a timeless formula for personal and professional effectiveness.
By adopting these habits and embracing a principle-centered approach, individuals can unlock their full potential, achieve their goals, and lead fulfilling lives. As Covey suggests, true success comes from within, and by cultivating the right habits, we can create a life of meaning and purpose.
As Brian Tracy aptly put it, successful people are “big dreamers” who work tirelessly towards their vision. Similarly, Shaquille O’Neal reminds us that excellence is not a one-time act but a habit. By making these habits part of our daily routine, we can achieve lasting success and create a positive impact on the world around us.
Just as we develop our physical muscles through overcoming opposition – such as lifting weights – we develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and adversity.
– Stephen Covey
Here are the seven habits
Habit 1: Be Proactive – Real change begins from within. It’s essential for each person to take personal responsibility for initiating change. It’s tempting to blame external factors for our lack of success, but Covey emphasizes the importance of personal accountability and proactive behavior.
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind – Covey advises creating a mission statement based on core principles. This mission statement should guide the setting of both short-term and long-term goals. This habit has had a profound impact on me personally, as regularly updating my mission statement has helped me stay aligned with my core values.
Habit 3: Put First Things First – We all play multiple roles in our personal and professional lives. Success in these areas depends on our ability to prioritize based on what matters most to us. Keeping our priorities straight ensures that we focus on what is truly important.
Habit 4: Think Win/Win – Effective relationships thrive when they are mutually beneficial. Whether in business or at home, strategies should aim to benefit all parties involved, fostering a collaborative environment.
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood– This principle is crucial for effective interpersonal communication. It is often easier to express our own thoughts than to listen to others. However, understanding others is key to being understood ourselves.
Habit 6: Synergize – Great leaders harness the strengths of those around them. As the saying goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Collaborating with others leads to more significant achievements.
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw – Even the best tools become dull with use. It’s important to take time to renew ourselves physically, mentally, socially/emotionally, and spiritually. As Abraham Lincoln famously said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
Habits are like shortcuts that our brain develops to conserve energy. By repeating actions and routines, our brain automates them, freeing up mental capacity for more complex tasks. This efficient process allows us to tackle challenges and make progress in various areas of life.
As Stephen Covey suggests, establishing positive habits is crucial for personal growth and satisfaction. By consciously cultivating healthy routines and maintaining a positive outlook, we can enhance our overall well-being and achieve our goals. In essence, our habits shape our lives, and by choosing wisely, we can create a fulfilling and successful journey.
Stephen Covey quotes.
🖊 Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.
🖊 Churchgoing is not synonymous with personal spirituality. There are some people who get so busy in church worship and projects that they become insensitive to the pressing human needs that surround them, contradicting the very precepts they profess to believe deeply.
🖊 By accepting people you’re not condoning their weakness or agreeing with their opinion; you’re simply affirming their intrinsic worth.
🖊 I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.
🖊 In the great literature of all progressive societies, love is a verb. Reactive people make it a feeling… Proactive people make love a verb. Love is something you do: the sacrifices you make, the giving of self.
🖊 Remember, any time your emotional life is a function of someone else’s weakness, you disempower yourself and empower those weaknesses to continue to mess your life up
Personal growth and self-improvement are unique journeys, often marked by obstacles and victories. As we navigate these paths, the Bible offers invaluable wisdom that can illuminate our way. Proverbs 3:5-6 — Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
In conclusion, the journey of self-improvement is a lifelong endeavor, filled with both challenges and rewards. While books like “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” can provide invaluable guidance and inspiration, their true power lies not in their pages, but in our actions. Knowledge without application is like a compass without a map; it points us in the right direction but doesn’t take us anywhere.
To truly reap the benefits of self-improvement, we must move beyond theory and into practice. It’s not enough to simply understand the concepts; we must actively integrate them into our daily lives. This requires discipline, commitment, and a willingness to step outside our comfort zones.
Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that requires patience and perseverance. But with each small step, we move closer to becoming the person we aspire to be. So, embrace the challenge, take action, and witness the transformative power of self-improvement in your own life. Remember, knowledge is only potential power. It becomes truly impactful when we put it into practice, allowing it to shape our thoughts, decisions, and actions.
As the saying goes, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Regardless of the many facets of your life that may need improvement, take that step today and start your journey toward a more fulfilling and effective life. As you journey towards becoming the person God designed you to be, may His blessings guide and strengthen you.
