I am sure Leaders Beacon will be afloat with memorials to the Great Stephen Covey. For those who are unaware, Mr. Covey author of “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”, has died in a cycling accident outside of Provo, Utah.
I was introduced to Stephen Covey in my leadership class at Arizona State University. I was part of a select group of student leaders that had the pleasure of being taught by Mayor Neil Giuliano once a week. The Mayor used Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People as part of our course material. The diverse group of student leaders in Leadership 401 met James Carville, participated in community activities, spoke to students at the local high school, and the lived the 7 habits of highly successful people.
In tribute to the departed author and the Mayor who taught me so much about leadership, I figured we should revisit the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People:
Be Proactive – in my 15 years of business development and management I have learned that ignoring a problem only intensifies it. Too often we fear an ill fated outcome that never occurs. Be open, honest, and attack every problem before it attacks you!
Begin with the End in Mind – don’t allow mundane detail to derail the train from the tracks. Envision the ultimate goal and stay true to it. Thinking big picture is the key to remaining focused on what is genuinely important.
Put First Things First – nothing is more important than effective time management. Balance your pipeline, prioritize action items in order of importance, and put busy work at the end of your list.
Think Win-Win – coming from a prominent career in sports, it was difficult for me to embrace this concept. I learned that in order win you do not have to defeat someone else.
Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood – the key to being great in business is listening more than you talk….this was difficult for me to grasp as a young salesman. I now know that researching, assessing a clients needs, and differentiating a solution is the greatest path to a mutually beneficial partnership.
Synergize – the apex of achievement is finding a link between seemingly unrelated events. If you love sports and music and can discover their relevance to your professional development, you will live in successful harmony.
Sharpen the Saw – recreate the process every day, learn consistently, and evolve ahead of the curve. There is no finish line.
I would guess the sign a life well lived is the legacy that a person leaves on this earth. Rest in Peace, Mr Covey, we continue to serve your legacy.
Thank you for reading,
David Kovacovich
