The Seven Habits In Communication

Register to read the introduction… In a sense, all the other habits are types of being proactive. This entails a realization that you are a person who can take direct control of a situation and, even if you have no actions that you are allowed to perform, you can still control your outlook. The second habit discusses beginning with the end in mind; this section begins with the description of the reader's funeral as an illustration of how one end in view can change the previous years' effort. The visualized step of seeing the end is the first part of any successful plan. The third habit is to put things first; this is the second step of a successful plan, following the visualization, is the managing step, that of physically performing the task. The fourth habit discusses thinking win/win; win/win is the highest form of agreement between parties that empowers all involved and does not sour the milk of future relations with resentment. The fifth habit is to seek first to understand, then to be understood; this is the most immediately applicable of all the seven habits. However, this is probably the most difficult habit to practice since it requires a major paradigm shift in how one views communication. Communication is not a pipe to send information with a limited bandwidth. Rather, it is like a circuit that requires lessening of resistance to allow the proper current through. The current is …show more content…
Millions of people have read it, but unfortunately many people don't make the commitment to actually apply the habits in their everyday life. If they did, it's a "can't go wrong" success formula. However, it is not an "instant fix" formula that is the rub for many. Dr. Covey writes well and holds the reader's attention. His arguments are sound and it comes across that he practices what he preaches. The section on the basic life assumptions that are unconsciously adopted by people that keep them stuck is particularly useful. These fall under the general category of the psychology of "paradigm changing," which is a revelation to many readers. I also enjoyed that the book sticks to seven pivotal habits and puts the spotlight on them. From these, most other productive habits logically follow as a consequence. In this sense, his formula is simple. It gives great, practical advice that one could start implementing immediately. Everyone, no matter what level you are at, could learn something about living more successfully by reading this book. The Seven habits are so natural and true that I smacked myself on the head a couple of times while reading it for the second time. Over and over Covey stated things I believe everyone already knew deep down, but had never thought of in the particular and he phrased it in a perfect