The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is a business and self-help book written by Stephen R. Covey. Having sold more than 15 million copies in 38 languages worldwide, it remains one of the best selling nonfiction business books. Covey presents an approach to being effective in attaining goals by aligning oneself to what he calls "true north" principles of a character ethic that he presents as universal and timeless.The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People was also listed as one of  "The 25 Most Influential Business Management Books" by Time in August 2011.



The 7 Habits

The book starts off by introducing the concept of paradigm shift and prepares the reader for a change in mindset. It helps the reader understand that different perspective exists and  that two people can see the same thing and yet differ with each other. It will then introduce the seven habits in a proper order to the reader.
Each chapter is dedicated to one habits, which are represented by the following imperatives:

Independence

The First Three Habits surround moving from dependence to independence (i.e., self-mastery):
  • Habit 1: Be Proactive
Take initiative in life by realizing that your decisions (and how they align with life's principles) are the primary determining factor for effectiveness in your life. Take responsibility for your choices and the consequences that follow.
  • Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
Self-discover and clarify your deeply important character values and life goals. Envision the ideal characteristics for each of your various roles and relationships in life.
  • Habit 3: Put First Things First
A manager must manage his own person. Personally. And managers should implement activities that aim to reach the second habit. Covey says that rule two is the mental creation; rule three is the physical creation.

Interdependence

The next three habits talk about Interdependence (e.g. working with others):
  • Habit 4: Think Win-Win
Genuine feelings for mutually beneficial solutions or agreements in your relationships. Value and respect people by understanding a "win" for all is ultimately a better long-term resolution than if only one person in the situation had got his way.
  • Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
Use empathic listening to be genuinely influenced by a person, which compels them to reciprocate the listening and take an open mind to being influenced by you. This creates an atmosphere of caring, and positive problem solving.
  • Habit 6: Synergize
Combine the strengths of people through positive teamwork, so as to achieve goals no one person could have done alone.

Continuous Improvements

The final habit is that of continuous improvement in both the personal and interpersonal spheres of influence.
  • Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Balance and renew your resources, energy, and health to create a sustainable, long-term, effective lifestyle. It primarily emphasizes exercise for physical renewal, prayer (meditation, yoga, etc.) and good reading for mental renewal. It also mentions service to society for spiritual renewal.

Covey explains the "Upward Spiral" model in the sharpening the saw section. Through our conscience, along with meaningful and consistent progress, the spiral will result in growth, change, and constant improvement. In essence, one is always attempting to integrate and master the principles outlined in The 7 Habits at progressively higher levels at each iteration. Subsequent development on any habit will render a different experience and you will learn the principles with a deeper understanding. 
Sean Covey (Stephen's son) has also written a version of the book for teens, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. This version simplifies the 7 Habits for younger readers so they can better understand them. In September 2006, Sean Covey also published The 6 Most Important Decisions You Will Ever Make: A Guide for Teens. This guide highlights key times in the life of a teen and gives advice on how to deal with them.

Personal View

This isn't a quick-tips-start-tomorrow kind of book. The concepts are sometimes intricate, and you'll want to study this book, not skim it. When you finish, you'll probably have Post-it notes or hand-written annotations in every chapter. Definitely a must read for anyone wanting to change their life for the better. "Did you know that after U.S. President Bill Clinton had read this book, he even invited Covey to Camp David to counsel him on how to integrate the book into his presidency."

"Integrity is the key to success in business, as in life"