Product ReviewsThe Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey (1990, Trade Paperback, Revised edition)

Classic Biz Book for Every Generation.

Saw someone reading this on the F Train in NYC 25 years ago. Bought my first copy that night on the way home from my Madison Ave job. Its positive, causes you to rethink. Reinforces your good habits...prods you towards some new ones. Must have for students, executives and life coaches!Read full review...

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Meh

I read this when it came out in 1989. I’m only a few pages in & there’s this “pie-in-the-sky” stuff. I believe in God’s timing & miracles. I respect the Covey organization: their stores are closed on Sundays & grandson Britain Covey plays for our hometown Philadelphia Eagles. I will pick it up again. Maybe my mindset @ the time clouded my view of the work. I’ll Get Back to it …Read full review...

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Good reference for business professionals

I have had this book on my shelf for 25+ years. Had the honor of training with Stephen R. Covey in Washington, DC. Discussed this book with my daughter and son-in-law and purchased as a gift for them. Intelligent concepts. Book is well-written. A good reference for business professionals.Read full review...

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descriptive title for life changes we all experience

it's one of those books recommended by course instructors in all those mandatory classes for the poor stiffs that had to attend them because of their job promotions. It's probably a good book- i haven't read it completely yet, tho. My company sold my division along with me and my new job promotion. I bought the book for my oldest daughter who has just graduated from college and is floundering about trying to decide what she wants to do. This isn't a stellar review- more like a confession.I do like the fact that it seems to categorize success to a certain degree and trivialize work and emphasize life. To enjoy life is to be successful in work-there's a key we all desire.Read full review...

Great book

I decided to read this book because it was on the reading list of a teacher I really respect and look up to. I expected it to be much more superficial, with quick fix style habits that characterize our time and culture. Instead it was a very insightful book on the real fundamentals of leadership and success. The author just focuses on seven well-balanced and interdependent principle-centered ideas, which allows each to receive the attention it deserves (in a culture where they are normally neglected).

Overall the book was encouraging and easy to follow. I felt very inspired to become more centered on the principles in the book, and I see and understand how they can make me truly more effective in all arenas of my life.Read full review...

A step by step guide to becoming who you want to be

I started reading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People on the advice from a friend. He recommended I read the book a few pages at a time, taking the time to let the advice and information sink in. In the world of multi-tasking, his advice was the exact thing necessary for this book.

Stephen Covey does not teach quick "tricks" to make life better; the book is a step by step process through which one can make serious changes in their life. The book starts from the beginning, reminding us that although we often let life dictate out actions, we can choose to take control. The 7 Habits (steps) take a person through a journey that if done with enough introspection and thought, can truly change ones life. It does not just tell you what to do, it tells you how to do it.

It took me 2 years to get through the whole book, I've read many parts dozens of times. The book is an inspiration, and a step-by-step guide to living life how you truly believe it should be lived. I recommend it to anyone, and have given on numerous occasions given it as a gift.Read full review...

7 Habits - An Awesome book!!

Few books, in my opinion, have the power to change people's lives like this book can.

I've bought and given away more than 20 of these books to family, friends and associates who were struggling with one part of their life or another. To begin with, I instruct them to read then, RE-read the first 90 pages. This first section is HUGELY powerful and puts "accountability" where it belongs (with us individually). There is enough samples, logic and support for the simple fact that WE are RESPONSE-ABLE for ourselves! This is all part of Habit #1 - Be Proactive.

Socrates once stated: "The unexamined life is not worth living". Reading & studying The 7-habits book(s) (tapes, cd's, etc.) is one of the best ways of examining your life in my humble opinion.

Within the introducton and the first habit alone, I was able to look under my own preverbial "hood" and examing my own engine/programing. Taking a look at the WAY WE LOOK at the world is a huge and powerful thing. Realizing that reality and our PRECEPTION of reality are two different things is a huge eye-opener.

The first three habits in the book are geared toward INDIVIDUAL accomplishment or SELF-mastery. Becoming INDEPENDENT and not DEpendent on others. The second three habits are geard toward INTER-Dependence and working with others. Readers of this book; I encourage you to read, discuss with friends then RE-read (yes, stop there then RE-read) the first three habits of this book during your individual struggle. Continue to re-read until you get a sense of SELF-Mastery. Once your on the right path to SELF mastery, then continue on to the second three habits and then the final habit #7.

The Self-Mastery Habits:
#1 - Be Proactive
#2 - Begin with the END in mind
#3 - First things first

The INTER-Dependence Habits:
#4 - Think Win-Win
#5 - Seek first to understand, THEN to be understood
#6 - Synergy

The constant RENEWAL Habit:
#7 - Sharpen the saw

As I stated earlier, this book has the POWER to change lives. I encourage you to read it while sipping a large cup of humility. This will allow the lessons to sink in better, in my opinion. At no time, however, should humility give way to logic and reason. Use your own humility, logic and reason to analyize the lessons within the 7 Habits and to put it simply - "Live a better life!"Read full review...

Habits of Mind - Habits for Life

Stephen Covey's book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" has been around for awhile. Like many things that we have learned, it is easy to forget the powerful thoughts contained in this book. The title is somewhat deceptive. Covey doesn't just talk about habits that will make you a better worker. Indeed, the greatest power of the book is that it recognizes that the best employees are those who have a balanced life; a life that includes family, fitness, learning, as well as work. Covey's style make it easy to see how to implement each one of the 7 Habits, and recognizes that being an "effective person" takes time. One of the few self-help books that I would recommend for an individual, small business or corporation. It has something for all of us.Read full review...

FABULOUS BOOK!

I really enjoyed this book and it has assisted me with transitioning into a new position, new office culture and, although in the same professional field, new and different arenas in which I am excited to experience! I love learning, yet transitions such as this are often difficult. I was looking for a "quick book with a list" I could use. In my experience most books of this type seem to be just that. I was very surprised to discover that this book required a full reading, and doing so was extremely enjoyable! This book has also helped me to look within and make every effort not to repeat my past mistakes, particularly with respect to often repeated mistakes based on my learned behavior, instead of being based on what I learned from making them!

I have an entire closet full of nothing but books with similar titles promising similar results (if one works toward those results). Certainly I had no expectation that this book would be different, but it is! A thoroughly enjoyable book with a big reputation! I am so glad to have read it.Read full review...

Excellent Advice

This book gives the reader a new perspective. I really like that the author includes relevant examples that personalize the concepts. He helps you look at life differently. The advice is practical and can easily be applied to life's daily situations. It is a helpful book. Since it is a quick read and easy to read--I recommend it for almost anyone. It's a book that's great to reference or reread--and it would make a great gift.Read full review...

A book and habits that never grow outdated for everyone

The following Self-Mastery Habits will never become outdated. Reading all of the excellent reviews of this book just reminds me of how helpful this book was to me yeas ago and how I need to re-read this book and constantly keep these habits ever before me and a part of my life. I should read this book once a year and buy a copy and give it away once a year. It's that good! It's such a small investment for such great information and will be such a great return on your investment that will invaluable to your personal life, family and profession regardless of what you do. Here are the #7 important habits Covey covers:
#1 - Be Proactive
#2 - Begin with the END in mind
#3 - First things first
#4 - Think Win-Win
#5 - Seek first to understand, THEN to be understood
#6 - Synergy
#7 - Sharpen the saw
These habits have been so helpful to me in my ministry betterchurches dot com.Read full review...