The 7 habits of highly effective people

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, first published in 1989, is a self-help book written by Stephen R. Covey. Here is the main crux of the book, which summarizes the habits one must try to inculcate in self. Thanks to Anu mam for sharing this with us:

Habit 1: Be Proactive

•Take initiative
•Manage change
•Respond proactively
•Keep commitments
•Take responsibility and have accountability
•Have a positive influence on results

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind

•Define vision and values
•Create a mission statement
•Set measurable team and personal goals
•Start projects successfully
•Align goals to priorities
•Focus on desired outcomes


Habit 3: Put First Things First

•Execute strategy
•Apply effective delegation skills
•Focus on important activities
•Apply effective planning and prioritization skills
•Balance key priorities
•Eliminate low priorities and time wasters
•Use planning tools effectively
•Use effective time-management skills


Habit 4: Think Win-Win

•Build high-trust relationships
•Build effective teams
•Apply successful negotiation skills
•Use effective collaboration
•Build productive business relationships

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood

•Apply effective interpersonal communication
•Overcome communication pitfalls
•Apply effective listening skills
•Understand others
•Reach mutual understanding
•Communicate viewpoints effectively
•Apply productive input and feedback
•Apply effective persuasion techniques


Habit 6: Synergize

•Leveraging diversity
•Apply effective problem solving
•Apply collaborative decision making
•Value differences
•Build on divergent strengths
•Leverage creative collaboration
•Embrace and leverage innovation

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

•Achieve life balance
•Apply continuous improvement
•Seek continuous learning