The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Type: Self-improvement
Author: Stephen R. Covey
My rating: 
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Posted by Dominic

Book introduction:
What's the secret of succeeful people? Being "Highly effective". Stephen Covey concludes that it can be summarised in 7 habits that these people keep practicing through their business and personal life. And the 7 habits are divided into 3 stages. Before that we must learn that everyone has a different perspective or paradigm of his/her world, we must also learn to respect and appreciate other people's paradigm. Paradigm change is a very powerful event that can allow us to approach things in a fresh and better angles.

Now the 3 stages of dependencies...

Stage 1: Dependant
When we are still a "Dependant", we need support from others. We need to prepare to change ourselves into "Independant" people, so we are able to take care of ourselves.

Habit 1: Proactive
Don't sit around, be proactive in what you pursue and what you need to accomplish.

Habit 2: Start with the end in mind
Think clearly what the end result you are trying achieve before you start doing it.

Habit 3: First thing first
Priorities "to-do" things by "Urgent/Not Urgent", "Important/Not Important". Focus on "Not Urgent and Important" things (thus fewer and fewer items will fall into the "Urgent and Important" category).

Stage 2: Independant
Once we become an independant person. We need to co-exist and inter-dependent with others.

Habit 4: Think Win/Win
Always strive for win/win for both party, don't be afraid to say "Win/Win or no deal"

Habit 5: Understand before being understood
Listen more before you speak. Must understand each other before true "Win/Win" can be achieved.

Habit 6: Create Synergy
1+1 > 2 otherwise there is not point of collaborating.

Stage 3: Inter-dependant
How can one keep on to be highly effective and continue to be inter-dependable?

Habit 7: Sharpen the saw
Keep the mind sharp, keep the body healthy! Exercise often and let the mind rest.

My review:
None of the ideas are new, but they are put in a very structured ways that can be explained to people. And people often over-look many key points especially the need to continously "Sharpen the saw". Interesting reading, highly recommended.