a review of one of the must read books by stephen covey.

1. STEPHEN. COVEY THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE

2. AN OVERVIEW presented a framework for personal effectiveness Based on astute observation that people perceive the world differently. we view the world with our own unique "lens," it is difficult to separate the observation from the observer Don’t let the Challenge daunt you

3. THE SUPPORT STORY Professional role- leadership development work . Bimonthly programs on the subject of communication and perception for IBM’s Executive development program participants. Became particularly interested in how perceptions are formed. Pygmalion effect- The way managers treat their subordinates is subtly influenced by what they expect of them.

4. INSIDE-OUT: THE CHANGE STARTS FROM WITH IN During his doctorate studies (1970)- Reviewed 200 year literature on success. Literature of last half of the 20th century attributed to personality ethic. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "What you are shouts so loudly in my ears I cannot hear what you say." Primary Traits Secondary Trait Personality Skills, techniques, positive attitude Underlying characteristics like: Courage, Justice, Integrity, patience

5. CONTD……. Personality Ethic: Unless the basicparadigm is right, changing the outer behavior is not effective. We see the world based on our perspective, which can have a dramatic impact on the way we perceive things. Once we understand the importance of our past conditioning, we can experience a paradigm shift in the way we see things.

6. THE 7 HABBITS- AN OVERVIEW Motivation to do What to do Ability to know how to do

7. THE 7 HABBITS MOVE US THROUGH THREE STAGES

8. THE SEVEN HABITS

9. Self Mastery Interdependence Renewal and personal capability

10. BE PROCATIVE Sets humans apart from animals use your resourcefulness and your initiative to work toward your personal goals More effective- Circle of influence expands Individual Circle of influence Circle of concern Not productive

11. BEGIN WITH END IN MIND What do you want people to say about you at your funeral? How will you be remembered? – not particularly motivating many people climb the ladder of success only to find the ladder was leaning against the wrong wall Dr Stephen writes: , "We may be very busy, we may be very efficient, but we will also be truly effective only when we begin with the end in mind." Suggests visualization ( sportsmen do) Create internal comfort zone

12. PUT FIRST THINGS FIRST Is the same old story Is to understand that you have many things to do Some tasks delayed delayed success Balance production and production capability Allocate time to improve productive capability Don’t spend time doing unimportant things Sums up saying: "Organize and execute around priorities."

13. THINK WIN/WIN means seeking mutual benefit in your human interactions. People internally believe, "If I win, you lose." Such people focus upon power and credentials, but have trouble building meaningful relationships Win/Lose thinking is encouraged and programmed into us by society. learn to leverage the strengths of others.

14. SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND AND Then TO BE UNDERSTOOD Most people don't listen, they wait to talk To grab win-win deals, listen Listening shouldn't be selective listening. "Communication experts estimate, in fact, that only 10 percent of our communication is by the words we say. Another 30 percent is represented by our sounds, and 60 percent by our body language.”

15. Synergize It means that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts we must value the differences between people and how they view the world. These differences can be used as a source of insight. Covey says: “ Valueingthe differences is the essence of synergy-the mental, the emotional, the psychological differences between people. And the key to valuing those differences is to realize that all people see the world, not as it is, but as they are."

16. SHARPEN THE SAW Focuses upon self- Renewal Has an analogy with Habit 3: PutFirst Things First Must take care of Yourself

17. CONTD…PRODUCTION AND PRODUCTION CAPABILITY The goose and the golden Egg…… Lesson- if one attempts to maximize immediate production with no regard to the production capability, the capability will be lost production and production capability balance needs to be maintained. As a machine will wear out quickly if not properly maintained, the same is true for your own personal productivity

18. Critics AND LEARNINGS Didn't really seem to add any significant insight to the basic theme: First things first We have direct control over problems caused by our own behavior. We can solve these problems by changing our habits. Has effective advices for improving ones life.

19. CONCLUSION “There is a gap or a space between stimulus and response, and the key to both our growth and happiness is how we use that space.”