Rating: 
Summary: An in-depth exploration.
Review: Steven R. Covey's book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" asserts that habits are powerful elements in our lives that can pull us either toward or away from a fulfilling life. Rather than turning effectiveness, balance, growth and interdependence into an unattainable set of ideals, he presents them as a lifestyle, partners to the 7 habits that are genuine expressions of one's self. One interesting distinction he makes is the difference between "being" and "seeing," that someone's opinion of their life has little to do with the way they are in reality. I enjoyed this comparison, as it illuminates the value of having a system like the "habits" that supports people in living from their actual strengths rather than from their self-perceived limitations. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is an exploration into what is possible for human beings. I also suggest that anyone interested in expanding their awareness and effectiveness in all areas of life read "Working on Yourself Doesn't Work," by Ariel & Shya Kane, a simple, fun, direct and powerful guide to being present to your life in each moment.
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Summary: What Can Review #292 Contribute?
Review: What CAN another review of this book have to add? Hopefully, a Christian pastor's perspective. Let me begin by saying that this is NOT a Christian book (as most of the books I review are). It is not Christian, and Mr. Covey doesn't claim that it is. But let me also say that I do not totally discount the value of the book because of that. This book was recommended to me by Christians whom I respected and whom I thought were very good leaders. I read it several years ago, to my profit. It helped me in several ways: 1. The principle "Be Proactive" helped drive home the truth that we are responsible for our actions. We have choices to make about our attitudes. This chapter illustrates that well. There is a balancing truth that is not written here, namely, that there is an Almighty and Sovereign God exercising control over all things (see my review of A. W. Pink's "The Sovereignty of God"). But as far as it goes, the basic point that we must be proactive and not reactive, is good. 2. Covey helped me crystallize my sense of purpose in life. Imagining my funeral and writing a Personal Mission Statement (Habit 2 - Begin with the End in Mind) were immensely helpful exercises for me. But again, "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps" (Prov. 16:9). 3. From Habit 3, "Put First Things First," I really learned how to work through priorities. The urgent/important paradigm was extremely helpful to me. I think of it often in my day-to-day activities. Covey even succeeds in helping a person identify what some of those priorities should be. But he falls short in that he advocates "a principle-centered life" rather than a "God-centered life" (see my review of John Piper's "God's Passion For His Glory.") 4. The final habit (Sharpen the Saw) is just common sense. It is smart to exercise, relax, learn, and pursue spiritual vitality. And sometimes it must be planned. The second triad of habits (Think Win/Win; Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood; and Synergize) were less helpful to me, but still worth reading. The emphasis on taking initiative and seeking creative options in relationships was helpful to me. There are some dangers in this book. 1. It can lead a person to self-sufficiency. This is crippling to the Christian whose sufficiency must be found in the Lord Jesus Christ alone. We must be careful when reading this kind of material, lest we adopt an "I can do it" mentality which fosters pride and alienates us from God. 2. There is no objective foundation of reality behind this book and no standard except Covey's assimilation of the wisdom of the ages. I think Covey probably assumes the reality of God (I don't remember for sure), but there is no definition of who this God is what He is like. To me, if there is a God, then He must define all things and life must be centered around Him. 3. Covey could have said everything in about 150-200 less pages. Seven Habits is wordy and repetitive. I have chosen to rate this book in the middle - three stars. I will not give it five stars because there are some profound philosophical and theological differences between Covey and myself (and more importantly, between Covey and the Bible). I will not give it one star because I was helped by the book and I think that thoughtful, Bible-saturated, God-centered leaders can sharpen their personal leadership skills through a cautious reading of this book. I do not recommend it to young Christians. I do recommend it for mature Christians in key leadership positions.
Rating: 
Summary: Sensible and pramatic
Review: I found this great book by Dr. Covey to be both sensible and pragmatic. This is an outstanding book that really delivers. Follow the 7 habits and you will become a success. Other books I recommend include The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren and Super Self (if you can find a copy) by the late Charles Givens.
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Summary: Habits lead our lives
Review: I read the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People years ago. I have recommended it to so many people, I should get some kind of reward for it. I was in a book store and pointed out to a couple some of the features of the book. It was practical, like a training class, the picture that shows perspective is a real eye opener. I think that is what really got me to continue to read. Do we live from a limited perspective and perception or are we willing to take life by the horns and live it the way it should or could be lived. I have read a lot of self help books and time management books in my life, Covey's book had a real effect. Those who know the scriptures will see he uses biblical principals, his Seek first to understand then to be understood principal is 'be quick to hear, slow to speak.' I too recommend Principle Centered Leadership as a must read. I am reviewing that as well.
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Summary: Forming Better Habits
Review: A few years ago I borrowed the book, "7 Habits of Highly Effective People." The book was impressive in the areas dealing with change from old to better habits. More recently I realized I was under stress because I was constantly dealing with things that were due "yesterday." At that point I knew I needed to find a copy of Steven Covey's book. Because I had little time to sit and read, the Audio Cassette was a great time saver in more ways than one. For those of you who are frustrated with relationships at work or at home, or simply desire a better way of organizing your life, I highly recommend reading or listening to the audio cassettes. It's about changing and forming new and better habits regarding: setting priorities for yourself, and interacting with others both on a personal "and" formal level. Covey leaves you with the feeling that you have control over your life but it has to start with you. He uses personal experiences that are believable to emphasize a point. If you don't finish the book or cassettes without recognizing at least one habit you can change; I would be very surprised.
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Summary: One of the best business/success books out there
Review: Unfortunately, throughout my experience with corporate America I've had several business/success books thrust upon me. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is the only one that was worth reading. This book, coupled with the First Things First training I received at work has had an enormous impact on me. Five years later, I still organize my life based on my mission statement, roles, and goals. I plan weekly and take time out to Sharpen the Saw. I don't always live up to the seven habits, but at least I'm going in the right direction. Periodically I pull this book out of my bookshelf and flip through it to reinforce the lessons it contains. It's also one of the few books I've ever bought someone as a gift. My biggest criticism is that Covey has a tendency to beat you over the head with examples. Numerous times as I read the book I thought to myself, I get it, move on. My other big complaint is that this book coined the word "proactive," which is believed to mean the opposite of reactive, but actually means that the person using it is an idiot and needs to resort to using made-up words to appear highly effective.
Rating:
Summary: Great book - more people should read
Review: This is a great book for nearly ANYONE at any age. I highly recommend people read and practice the concepts expounded by Dr. Covey. My only criticism of this book is on the title. I'd say these are "7 habits of effective people" - but NOT "the" 7 habits; that implies there are only 7 habits to being effective, which is foolish. To be sure, the 7 habits discussed have merit. If more people practiced them I've no doubt the world would be a better place.
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Summary: Excellent "throwback" empowerment book
Review: One aspect of current "self-help" books on the market is that they tend to focus on manipulating the other person. The Seven Habits is nothing like this in that it turns the attention onto the reader: it is his/her job to motivate him/herself, to figure out what needs to be done, and to actually go about doing it. The classic, and masterfully illustrated principles for becoming a "more effective" person refuse to let the reader accept excuses for non-action and for poor results. It is a classic example of Teddy Roosevelt-style Rugged Individualism, but always reminds the reader to truly care about other people and build relationships with them (everybody always SAYS that family is the most important thing in their lives, but rarely act this way). I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
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Summary: A highly effective book
Review: Our book club is an eclectic bunch if nothing else. We read everything from self-helps (such as this) to the latest fiction (McCrae's "Bark of the Dogwood" and Martel's "The Life of Pi") so you know we're open to new ideas. That said, "Seven Habits" was voted on by us and proclaimed to be the best thing we've come across in months. There's actually some practical "hands on" advice in this remarkable little book--unlike others that give you abstract concepts and no way to put them into practice. No, I don't agree with every word in this book, but it's miles ahead of any other self-help (God, I hate that term) book out there. Very, very, very highly recommended for anyone wanting to improve not only themselves, but the world. But then, the way to improve the world is to work on ourselves, no?
Rating:
Summary: A push in the right direction. One of the best ever!
Review: I have read this book twice already and I am sure I will continue to read it every now and then. For people who don't believe in his/her own strengh the book won't mean a thing. Seven Habits is a book for those who want to grow inside out, and learn how to became more effective not only in business but on every-day life. It's concept are very psycological and, although not specified anywhere, related to our "Emotional Intelligence." I recomend this book to those who want to become more organized, more effective and to find the strengh to do what they want, to accomplish the end they seek.
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