Stephen R. Covey, author of "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective
People," died unexpectedly on Monday. The world is saddened by his
passing, but has been blessed these 79 years by his life.
They talked about how his "seven habits" have been woven into the
emotional wellbeing of multimillions of people's lives - in almost every
walk of life - from self-help to the corporate boardrooms of big
businesses.
Bill Clinton said Stephen's book was one of three that every worker
should read to "dramatically" boost the nation's prosperity. Chief
Executive Magazine said the Seven Habits was THE most influential book
of the 20th Century.
One of his most powerful - yet elegantly simple messages: "Seek first to
understand, then to be understood." He coined the concept of "Win-Win."
He taught people (including me) to be proactive. He stimulated people to
think differently, more respectfully, empathically, externally.
He stimulated you to examine your situation and circumstances from
perspectives you never considered doing before. And, invariably they'd
discover an innovative breakthrough. One that far surpassed the status
quo.
Stephen R. Covey wrote his book for business people; but its message and
influence crossed over into their personal lives.
Families became stronger, values rose higher, relationships became more
meaningful - ALL because of one man's willingness to dedicate two
decades of studying hundreds of books, thousands of essays, legions of
different philosophies, ideologies, methodologies - looking for the
simple, universal truths.
Interesting -- in a world where many people are looking for a short-cut
or trying to "game the system," Stephen's message was based on an
immutable bedrock: Focus on your character, values, conduct, respect for
others, operate with unflinching integrity. Have the courage to be
extraordinary - not just of yourself, but in your ability to grow,
develop, improve and enrich and seed greatness into countless others. He
also urged us to have patience.
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