Stephen R. Covey provides a framework for personal development and effectiveness in this number one bestseller. The following is an elaborate and comprehensive summary of Covey’s key points of concern in the entire book.
Inside-out: The change starts within
Covey reviewed the 200 years of literature success while he working on his doctorate. He then noticed that all successful writings especially from 1920’s are characterized by a special focus on findings solutions to particular problems. This success is however attributed to possession of personal traits, techniques and skills that are critical in the making decisions.
However, in the over `150 years that preceded the period revealed literature to be more character oriented as opposed to …show more content…
For instance, a restaurant may have an outstanding reputation on serving some of the most delicious delicacies to their clients but the management may eventually decide to minimize costs and thus lower the quality of food. Immediately after the reduction of the costs the profits will soar but after sometime they will hit the slump and then the reputation of the organization will be lost. This does not however mean that production capacity is the only thing that is important. If the so-called capacity is build but it is never used, then there is no value that is added. There further needs to be a balance between actual production and the building production capacity. Finding the right tradeoff is the most important tool that can be used to gauge ones effectiveness.
The author also makes a mention of Character Ethic, which believes in the existence of absolute powers in the whole human race. Some of these are growth, fairness, human dignity, integrity and potential. In practice, principles differ greatly with practices since they are meant for universal application while practices are for a particular purpose.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People gives an in depth and “inside-out” strategy to the effectiveness centered on character and principles. In this case, “inside-out” is used to imply that the process of change starts with oneself. For most people, this scenario is …show more content…
Covey presents this habit as being the most important principle that governs interpersonal relationships. Effective listening entails more than just echoing or supporting what another individual has said without first giving it a proper thought. Put yourself in the perspective of the speaker and then try to understand issues from his point of view. Listen emphatically for both meaning and the feelings that are evoked during the speech process.
Habit 6: Synergize
In the entire process of trustful communication, come up with ways that can help in leveraging the individual differences in order to create a whole which is greater than the sum of all the totals. However, for this to work out well there must be mutual trust between the employees at all levels. Mutual understanding comes in very handy when resolving conflicts within the organization. The solution reached needs to be as fair as possible and it must be reached through the contribution of all the parties involved.
Habit 7: Sharpen the saw
Always put a halt to the production process in order to build the capacity as aided through personal renewal of the mental, physical, emotional/social and spiritual dimensions. It is very important to strike a favorable balance among all these dimensions so that they do not cause undesired
Inside-out: The change starts within
Covey reviewed the 200 years of literature success while he working on his doctorate. He then noticed that all successful writings especially from 1920’s are characterized by a special focus on findings solutions to particular problems. This success is however attributed to possession of personal traits, techniques and skills that are critical in the making decisions.
However, in the over `150 years that preceded the period revealed literature to be more character oriented as opposed to …show more content…
For instance, a restaurant may have an outstanding reputation on serving some of the most delicious delicacies to their clients but the management may eventually decide to minimize costs and thus lower the quality of food. Immediately after the reduction of the costs the profits will soar but after sometime they will hit the slump and then the reputation of the organization will be lost. This does not however mean that production capacity is the only thing that is important. If the so-called capacity is build but it is never used, then there is no value that is added. There further needs to be a balance between actual production and the building production capacity. Finding the right tradeoff is the most important tool that can be used to gauge ones effectiveness.
The author also makes a mention of Character Ethic, which believes in the existence of absolute powers in the whole human race. Some of these are growth, fairness, human dignity, integrity and potential. In practice, principles differ greatly with practices since they are meant for universal application while practices are for a particular purpose.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People gives an in depth and “inside-out” strategy to the effectiveness centered on character and principles. In this case, “inside-out” is used to imply that the process of change starts with oneself. For most people, this scenario is …show more content…
Covey presents this habit as being the most important principle that governs interpersonal relationships. Effective listening entails more than just echoing or supporting what another individual has said without first giving it a proper thought. Put yourself in the perspective of the speaker and then try to understand issues from his point of view. Listen emphatically for both meaning and the feelings that are evoked during the speech process.
Habit 6: Synergize
In the entire process of trustful communication, come up with ways that can help in leveraging the individual differences in order to create a whole which is greater than the sum of all the totals. However, for this to work out well there must be mutual trust between the employees at all levels. Mutual understanding comes in very handy when resolving conflicts within the organization. The solution reached needs to be as fair as possible and it must be reached through the contribution of all the parties involved.
Habit 7: Sharpen the saw
Always put a halt to the production process in order to build the capacity as aided through personal renewal of the mental, physical, emotional/social and spiritual dimensions. It is very important to strike a favorable balance among all these dimensions so that they do not cause undesired