I may be a little late to the party, but I just finished reading “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey. I say “late” because in the early 1990s the book was very popular and Covey seemed to have reached rock star status. In 2014, I finally decided to give it a read — better late than never, I guess. I must admit I was concerned that the material may have been outdated, but that was certainly not the case.

Covey takes a unique look at the concept of Personality Ethic and Character Ethic. He submits that society has seen a shift toward personality in its view of success. Success has become more a “function of personality, of public image, of attitudes and behaviors, and skills and techniques, that lubricate the processes of human interaction.” Much of this personality approach can be construed as manipulative and deceptive.

The Character Ethic, as Covey explains, is comprised of “basic principles of effective living, and that people can only experience true success and enduring happiness as they learn to integrate these principles into their basic character.” The Character Ethic is described in a way that makes it seem unwavering, true and constant, and applicable in all facets of life.

The seven habits are basically the knowledge, skills and desires that, through repeated practice, form our character. Covey’s seven habits are Be Proactive, Begin with the End in Mind, Put First Things First, Think Win-Win, Seek First to Understand — Then to be Understood, Synergize, and Sharpen the Saw. As you read the list, it becomes clear that some of these habit titles have been used and overused (often out of context), to the extent that they now sound trite — ironically sounding much like the verbiage common to the Personality Ethic Covey condemns. However, if one takes the time to actually read the book, he or she will find that the habits are far from trite and the concepts are enduring.

My favorite habit is Think Win-Win. Like many of the habits, the “win-win” statement is overused in today’s business vernacular. It is often a veiled way of saying, “I’ll get what I want and make you feel good about it” or “We’re both going to have to settle for less than what we really want.” I think these interpretations range from manipulative to lazy and uncreative. The true win-win approach is to start a negotiation from a point where both parties are committed to getting each other everything they want. It may not always end up that way, but I believe that trust can be built and a fair deal struck when each party is sincerely concerned about the outcome for the other.

We work in a fast-paced, win-at-all-costs, margin-shrinking world, but I truly believe there is room, perhaps even longing, for the concepts introduced by Covey. I may have been a couple decades behind the crowd in reading the book, but I’d like to believe that character never goes out of style.

 

Tom Kruse
Senior Vice President M&A
Marsden Holding, LLC
St. Paul, Minnesota

 

 

For more than 25 years, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” has helped solve personal and professional problems for people of all ages and occupations. Author Steven Covey outlines a step-by-step process for living with fairness, integrity, honesty and human dignity.  

Published by Simon & Schuster, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” has been named one of the most influential management books. From the Oval Office to the board room to the family room, Covey’s teachings have influenced millions of readers.




POSTED ON: 12/18/2014