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Summary: It changed my life, think i'll die happy (3).
Review: It's fun to read, it's easy to understand, it will change anybodys life, for the better, obviously. I never had a Bible, now i do. A must for the world to get better.
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Summary: Very Good Book........READ IT !!!
Review: This book got me Reading
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Summary: PUT DOWN YOUR GUARD... AND READ!
Review: If you already know everything, this book will offend you. But if your still learning, this book condenses what some would call common sense into 7 "habits" that can be life changing. It has been at least a year since I last read it... but I can remember the whole book- because I live it each day. It truly is a habit. The more I read it the more I get out of it. The difference between NICE people in control and selfish ego-maniacs who prey on others are the 7 habits. No habit applys in business that wouldn't apply in church. Use it in any relationship. It isnt about manipulating people.You would like others to apply the habits when dealing with you. If you are in business I suggest 6 great books to read. The first is "THE E MYTH" by Gerber. The second is "7 habits". 3 thru 6 are rereading "7 habits". As for my 1st comment...Im sorry, I guess I should seek 1st to understand.
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Summary: The book is very good reading material.
Review: As the title of the book implies, Covey describes the seven habits of highly effective people and techniques for adopting the seven habits. Covey makes clear that an individual must make a paradigm shift before incorporating these habits into his/her own personal life. A paradigm is essentially the way an individual perceives something. Covey emphasizes that if we want to make a change in our lives, we should probably first focus on our personal attitudes and behaviors. He applies different examples via family, business, and society in general.This book's focal point is on an approach to obtain personal and interpersonal effectiveness. Covey points out that private victories precede public victories. He makes the example that making and keeping promises to ourselves comes before making and keeping promises to others. Habits 1, 2, and 3 deal with self-mastery. They move an individual from dependency on others to independence. Habits 4, 5, and 6 deal with teamwork, cooperation, and communication. These habits deal with transforming a person from dependency to independence to interdependence. Interdependence simply means mutual dependence. Habit 7 embodies all of the other habits to help an individual work toward continuous improvement. Habit 1 discusses the importance of being proactive. Covey states that we are responsible for our own lives; therefore, we possess the initiative to make things happen. He also points out that proactive people so not blame various circumstances for their behaviors but they realize behavior comes from one's conscious. Covey also explains that the other type of person is reactive. Reactive people are affected by their social as well as physical surroundings. This means that if the weather is bad, then it affects their behavior such as their attitude and performance. He also explains that all problems that are experienced by individuals fall into one of three categories, which are direct control, indirect control, or no control. The problems that are classified under direct control are the problems that involve our own behavior. The problems classified as indirect control encompasses problems that we can do nothing about. The problems classified as no control are those that we can do nothing about. Habit 2 focuses on beginning with the end in mind. Covey wants the reader to envision his/her funeral. This may sound disheartening but his goal is to help you think about the words that you wish to be said about you; it can help the individual visualize what you value the most. To begin with the end simply means to start with your destination in mind. That gives an individual a sense of where he/she presently is in their life. One has to know where they are going to make sure that they are headed in the right direction. Covey also mentions that the most effective way to begin with the end is by developing a personal mission statement. After doing that, you should identify your center of attention. Are you spouse centered, money centered, family centered, etc. The he tells you depending on you core of interest, your foundation for security, guidance, and power. Habit 3 is the practical fulfillment of Habits 1 and 2. Covey accentuates that Habits 1 and 2 are prerequisite to Habit 3. He states that an individual cannot become principle centered developing their own proactive nature; or without being aware of your paradigms; or the capability of envisioning the contribution that is yours to make. One must have an independent will. This is the ability to make decisions and to act in accordance with them. Habit 4 deals with the six paradigms of interaction, which are win/win, win/lose, lose/win, lose/lose, win, and win/win or no deal. Win/win is a situation in which everyone benefits something. It is not your way or my way; it is a better way. Win/lose declares that if I win then you lose. Simply put, I get my way; you don't get yours. Win/lose people usually use position, power, possessions, or personality to get their way. The win/lose type of person is the person that feels that if I lose; you win. People who feel this way are usually easy to please and find the strength of others intimidating. When two win/lose people get together both will lose resulting in a lose/lose situation. Both will try to get the upper end of the stick but in the end, neither gets anything. The person that simply thinks to win secures their own ends and leaves it up to others to secure theirs. The win/win or no deal person means that if there is not a suitable solution met that satisfies both parties then there is no agreement. Habit 5 deals with seeking means of effective communication. This habit deals with seeking first to understand. However, we usually seek first to be understood. Most people to not listen with the intent to understand but with the intent to reply. The act of listening to understand is referred to as empathic listening. That means you try to get into the person's frame of mind and think as they are thinking. Habit 6 discuses combining all of the other habits to prepare us for the habit of synergy. Synergy means that the sum of the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Possessing all of the habits will benefit an individual more than possessing one or two of them. Synergism in communication allows you to open your mind to new possibilities or new options. Habit 7 involves surrounds the other habits because it is the habit that makes all of the others possible. It is amplifying the greatest asset you have which is yourself. It is renewing your physical, emotional, mental, and social nature. The physical scope involves caring for yourself effectively. Spiritual renewal will take more time. Our mental development comes through formal education. Quality literature in our field of study as well as other fields help to broaden our paradigms. Renewing the social dimension is not as time consuming as the others. We can start by our everyday interactions with people. Moving along the upward spiral requires us to continuously learn, commit, and do on higher planes. This is essential to keep progressing. At the end of each habit, there are application suggestions or exercises that help you become a more effective person. This is definitely not a quick fix it book. The concepts should be studied in order to be fully achieved. I think if you learn to use these 7 habits, it will change your life. This is a must-have book.
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Summary: You will never be the same
Review: For the first time in my life I feel like I've found a book can actually offer me some concrete things to do to improve my relationships with my family and my co-workers. Books claim to offer this all the time, but I've never seen one that actually *delivers* The experience of reading this book is beyond what can be written in a review like this. You must experience it for yourself. Somebody offered the advice to read it slowly. I intend to be reading it for the rest of my life. As soon as I finish, I will start again. This will keep the principles fresh in my mind as I strive to improve myself. Now, if only it was a "quick fix"!
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Summary: No hype. Low key. Powerful book.
Review: The "7 Habits" outlined by Covey are not the typical fare in most motivational books. Rather than cute stories, Covey offers real examples on how to live our life more fully in a satisfying way. This could easily be the book of the decade (if it isn't already). If you enjoy the "7 Habits" then I recommend you also read "Life and Death on the Internet" by Keith A. Schroeder. Then you can learn how to apply these principles in our fast-paced computer age.
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Summary: My mentor gave it to me, now I'm passing it to others
Review: This book helped me change my leadership style, become a more effective leader and a better person. I am turning a round a corporation in deep trouble and this book has been a tremendous positive influence and guide. Read it and experience it!
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Summary: Totally inspiring
Review: I am so thankful to the person who gave me this book to read. I have undergone many paradigm shifts and I'm only up to habit number three! Some of the book has been affirming of what I am currently doing, some of the book has challenged long-held beliefs and goals. All I can say is THANK YOU.
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Summary: Directions for self-change
Review: After reading Stephen Covey's "7 Habits" cover-to-cover a few years ago, I picked it up again for a re-read. I can't bring myself to read too many books twice, but this one is worth the effort. As many of the other readers here suggest, the book is not perfect. Certain examples Covey cites and recommendations he issues are so idealistic that they make him seem completely out of touch with everyday life. In addition, his style is so upbeat that it, at times, borders on hokey. Nonetheless, there's a reason this book have been a business bestseller for a zillon weeks: it presents a sound method for improving your life. This is not a re-write of the "Power of Positive Thinking" - Covey explicitly rejects these types of quick-fix remedies. Instead, it is a plan to restructure your life based on those things that you deem most important. Of course, a plan needs to be executed, and that part can't be done for you, although Covey is glad to assist by selling you a few day planners and a conference or two. The bottom line is that this book won't change your life. You'll do the changing, and Covey is one of the best sources to explain how.
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Summary: Life changing IF you do it!
Review: Steven Covey's book is not for the faint of heart. He provides you a simple (but not easy!) road map for self accessment, and finally, life leadership. It took me 3 tries to finally make it all the way to the end, but it was worth the trip. Excellent!!
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