I actually purchased these cards in error, thinking that they were the book.

When I received it, I was disappointed.

When I read them, I was delighted!!!!

They encourage great focus and act as a boosters at the start of the day - pick up a card, read the back also or just read the front in the extremely pleasant font, and make yourself more effective and generally a better person.

A lot of these points made are quite obviously (although some are a lot more subtle and extremely cleverly presented) but fundamentally, it helps to make you a balanced and better person, which then obviously spills into your personal and business life.

They are the closest thing you will get to a quick fix - where a book requires you to be motivated to focus to read it, these are available at all times - pick one up from your desk before a meeting, browse through one or two while on hold for a phone call - you can only benefit if these ideals and tips sink into your subconscious!

We had the privilege of hearing Dr. Covey in person at The University of Michigan when this book was first published. It instantly became one of the most important books we've read and used in our teaching. We give this as a graduation gift to our college students to help them to be effective as they start their new life. Covey is the master of story-telling and bringing his habits to life.

Author, "Trust is Everything: Become the leader others will follow"

Nutshell review - This is an excellent book whose lessons and insights can contribute to all aspects of your life. Excellent.

The premise of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is that there are 7 habits which can dramatically improve a person's professional and social life. These habits include: 1. Be proactive. 2. Begin with the end in mind. 3. Put first things first. 4. Think win/win. 5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. 6. Synergize. 7. Sharpen the saw.

Covey's philosophy of using honest open communication, fairness, integrity and human dignity as a baseline in all relationships is sound powerful advice. The book is well written with excellent insights and wisdom.

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People is definitely one of the better self-help / improvement books on the market. All the information contained in the book is quite accurate and pertinent. With other self-help books I've read, some of the information has proved useful while a lot of it is rather superfluous, as if included simply to 'pad out' the book.

That is not the case with this classic book. A must read for all looking to improve themselves and their lives.

Real Life Dramas - Volume One

Darren G. Burton

- Very helpful in breaking down common misconceptions of how people succeed or don't succeed in life.
- This book can be applied to anyone's life, job, skillset, etc...
- Much of what is in this book can be considered common sense to me, but Dr. Covey does a great job in putting this common sense in understandable language.
- I'd recommend this book especially for anyone functioning in a business capacity, or politicians (especially politicians). Today's politicians are out of tune with the Character Ethic.

My book order arrived within a few days and in great condition. I'm very pleased with the service. Thanks.

I have had this book on my reading list for a while. This books has been a valuable catalyst in my personal development. On one hand there is very little that is shocking. As the author freely admits, he does not consider the principles that these habits embody to be his, but universal. While I think most people will find an innate understanding of each of these habits, Stephen Covey is blessed with an ability to clearly explain them in a way that will help you grow if you chose to follow them.

You do not have to be unhappy with your life, job or marriage to find benefit in this book. What the book helped me with was to make clear to where I needed to improve. Although Stephen Covey is a religious man, he had written the book in such a way that can be approached and understood by anyone from the atheist, to the agnostic and the religious man.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a direction or approach to give their life more mean and purpose.

When you want to be successful, you have to model yourself after successful people. One way to do this is to develop successful habits. This is a very simple concept, but not an easy one to implement. Those who follow through will achieve great results!

Sally Shields, bestselling author of, The Daughter-in-Law Rules, 101 Surefire Ways to Manage (and Make Friends with) Your Mother-in-Law!

The 7 Habits book is an eye opener. If you really want to improve yourself, your ability to lead, this is the book.

I had to read this book in college for a class and do a report and I honestly loved this book. Yes yes, it can be classified as a "Self-Help" but... it really opens your eyes. I feel one would get more from it if they read it while still in school or even in stressful situations. If you're 100% happy with your life and don't see anything wrong with it then no need to buy this book, but for everyone else, pick it up, it's pretty cheap if you get it used. Worth every bit.

There's a good reason why this book remains a bestseller - it makes sense and has something for everyone, including the most seasoned professionals. A most critical point is Covey's notion of the relationship between being a great leader and inspiring others to find their voices. He says that to inspire trust, it is important to clarify your purpose or what you are trying to accomplish. If one thinks about what Covey is saying - readers will also realize (hopefully) the value of visibility both inside and outside the corporate environment. If we want people to value our skills, listen to what we have to say, and pay us what we deserve, we must first show that we value ourselves - by making sure our accomplishments are visible to carefully targeted audiences. If we want to be effective leaders - and if we want people to hire us, buy from us, or invest in our companies, they have to know who we are, what we have accomplished and why they should do business with us! (Marion E. Gold is author of Personal Publicity Planner: A Guide to Marketing YOU and Top Cops: Profiles of Women in Command)

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a classic. If you have never read this book, do so now. For your convenience it's available in print and audio. Just pop a cassette into the car's player and you can be rewarded with some of the best advice ever presented. Turn your commute into a classroom.

This book was first published in 1990, but remains a favorite with business leaders. The author tapped into a basic principle; namely that success is a result of both personal and professional effectiveness. These pages systematically show how to achieve this level of productiveness in both areas through what he calls a "paradigm shift". That merely refers to changing your perception of how the world works. The author challenges the reader to make this shift by highlighting key areas, like time management and positive thinking. Once this change has taken place, the person is then ready to climb the corporate ladder with confidence.

Building on the premise that change comes from within, this book has the potential to solidly impact the reader's life and workplace. But, it's not a quick fix. These concepts will take time to understand and master. It's recommended that this book be read slowly, allowing the principles to be fully understood before moving to the next one. In fact, to fully apply these concepts may take years. Yet, that's not a negative aspect of the author's work. Stephen Covey realizes that success is not an overnight happening; it comes in stages and by degrees. Yes, it can be painstakingly slow, but when it comes, it's here to stay.

The title mentions "habits" and that's important. A habit is something that develops over time. Successful businesspeople comprehend the necessity of thinking the right thoughts to bring about the right kinds of decisions. Covey demonstrates this through anecdotes as well as concise writing. The entire idea of being stuck in a negative mode of perception will be a startling revelation to readers, but more importantly is the author's advice on moving beyond that obstacle. There is a good amount of psychology presented in these pages, all of which is incredibly useful in bringing about effective changes.

These seven habits are fully explained, and yes, you may need to slow down to capture their full meaning. The first three habits deal with personal responsibility, leadership and self-management. Granted, these are huge areas to deal with, but once again, if the author's words are taken in small segments, they can bring about amazing results. To the author's credit, he's able to take these larger issues and present them within the framework of everyday occurrences. This sets the ideas more firmly in the reader's mind by associating them with real life scenarios.

This holistic approach makes a lot of sense, but you will need time to fully master it. As the author explains, success and effective leadership is not something that will come to you without an investment of time. The formula for enduring success is right here in these pages; study it, apply it and watch the incredible results.


Raymond Le Blanc. psychologist & economist
Author: Achieving Objectives Made Easy! Practical goal setting tools & proven time management techniques

Having read the book, I was left with a sense that the abridged audio book lacked more detail. However, the concepts are still magnificent.

This book change my life and the way I look at things. I would highly recommend it. My opinion is, it should be used as a college course.

Live by these steps and you'll be successful personally and professionally. These habits will definitely make sure you do everything with integrity.

To put first things first, Stephen Covey's treatise on principle-centered self-improvement is still engaging and worthwhile almost 20 years after it was originally published.

In this age of lifehacking and making technology work for you, Covey's insights are actually more relevant than ever, because people are increasingly believing that gadgets and gizmos will solve all of the world's communication and productivity issues. In fact, more often than not these communication and productivity tools hinder the very things they are supposed to help, and this happens because people lack the basic principles and skills to work effectively with people.

Adding technology to un-principled and ineffective lifestyle is like never running more than a mile, then buying brand new trainers and thinking you can win a marathon.

The Seven Habits avoid talking about technology and focus on human contact. The habits help us use our ideas and abilities to become interdependent and be able to work effectively with ourselves and other people to achieve overwhelming success. And while he does use a lot of jargon that may seem bureaucratic, Covey conveys his ideas through very simple anecdotes that help explain exactly what he means and how to accomplish it.

His writing style is so accessible and he makes his ideas seem so easy to implement, it's no wonder this book has been the go-to source for managers and company leaders for so long. I plan to buy this one and re-read it once a year or so to help keep me on track to becoming more effective.

Seven Habits is an enjoyable book. Well written, engaging, thoroughly, relevant to anyone who cares about who they are and being the most they are capable of being. I highly recommend it.

It's such a refreshing approach to the problems with our society today.

We are so quick to blame our 'environment' and others for our problems.

This book is a no-nonsense approach to: "Yeah, maybe your environment was crappy and maybe the people you were surrounded by attempted to hinder your growth, but you are an adult now and only YOU can make the changes necessary to enrich your life!"

Stop blaming everyone else and take the utlimate challenge: 'Resposibility to yourself'!

I LOVE this book.

It challenges you to not just 'read as information' but to "DO IT"!

You can find time to focus on what matters most to YOU. Emphasizes importance of defining and living by YOUR personal values and provides guidance on how to do this.

When I first read this book in the early 1990's, I knew it spoke to me and tried very hard to apply its wisdom; but did not yet have enough insight into myself or life in general to do so successfully. I was not yet able to live an effective life.

The 7 Habits... provides a framework for effective living, as well as a suggested methodology. In the early 90's, I did not yet understand the idea that for any framework, there can be many effective methodologies. Likewise, many different frameworks can be used to articulate wise guidance for effective living.

One of my core beliefs is that what's most important when reading this, or any other book - or for that matter; when watching a show or film, listening to audio, interacting with other humans, surfing "The Net", experiencing nature, or conducting any other activity in life - what's most important is to identify the nugget(s) of wisdom you can extract that will lead to increased enlightenment in your life.

Throughout my life, I returned to this text time and time again. Each time, I was able to apply its ideas a bit more successfully; but was still unable to live life effectively.

Now, after ~18 years of trying to implement the ideas of this book (and ~22 years before then... yes, that makes me 40) I believe I now have a methodology (path) that will work for me and for my life. My path may not work for you. Clearly, S. Covey's path did not work for me. It was only when I was able to customize Covey's path for my life and my personal situation that I was able to make it work. The SPIRIT of my path is the same as the SPIRIT of Covey's. It's only the LETTER of the paths that are different.

The creation of my path is a recent event and I've not yet fully implemented it into my life. I'm excited to finally feel I'm living an effective life. Now it's time to move towards living a highly effective life.

If you struggled to either understand or apply Covey's text on first reading; I strongly encourage you to keep going back. Revisit at least every few years to see how your views have changed. It's wisdom is already there. You must be ready to hear for it to work.

The job of this book is to present a holistic approach to leadership that focuses on the principles and character that one has. Effectively, this means that this text would be useless for someone of bad character, but this is not why I am rating a 4 instead of a 5, as I believe that good character is immensely important in leadership.

Instead, I rate this book lower because while it provides a good framework of the optimal paradigm (principle-centered), as well as a good structure in which to execute our paradigm (The Seven Habits), there is next to no consideration of the dilemmas that may occur when principles clash or when moral systems are radically different. An example of the latter would be the difference between "ends justify the means" and "means justify the end", which in itself is an issue that I feel is discussed much better in The Cheating Culture: Why More Americans Are Doing Wrong to Get Ahead

Another issue (although not necessairly a flaw) that was unaddressed is that the principle-centered paradigm is neutral to the law; a classic example of a principled decision is that of the man who must steal to feed his family. In reality, however, the law is a pressure that constrains the decisions of people, both good and bad.

Overall, this is a good book for those that GENUINELY want to improve their circumstances (and that of others they're close to), but I would strongly recommend that anyone who reads this is careful in their reading. Unfortunately, the motivational style of writing Covey uses makes it difficult to notice problems that require extra thought and/or reading since it tends to "suck you in".

I had the distinct pleasure of participating in a 7 habits workshop with Dr. Covey in the early 1980s and on each reread of his message, it never gets tired. Leadership is not about dragging people through projects and initiatives, but rather, it is inspiring them to see the value in those ideas and to create an environment where they are encouraged to excel. In my management consulting career, I have been most successful and effective when I am able to get others to "own" their ideas. That means focusing on results, while allowing individuals latitude to discover their own best processes. What do those who work for you do when you're not around to oversee their efforts? After you've become a student of the 7 habits philosophy, you'll rarely lose sleep over that concern!

This book is the most famous title of Stephen R. Covey, a professor of Brigham Young University where he taught prior to the publication of this best-selling work. The audio version became the first non-fiction audio-book in U.S. publishing history to sell more than one million copies. Covey holds a BS degree in Business Administration from University of Utah in Salt Lake City, an MBA from Harvard University, and a Doctorate of Religious Education (DRE) in Mormon Church History and Doctrine from Brigham Young University. He also holds membership of the Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity.

This book is mainly about the time management (chapters 1, 2, 3, 7) and interpersonal relationships (chapters 4, 5, 6). The other time-management books, like "Getting Things Done" by David Allen and "Time Drive" by Gleb Arkhangelsky, frequently overlook the importance of interpersonal relationships in the time management.

Many of the ideas and much of the language of this book recast the content of the classic 1966 Peter F. Drucker book "The Effective Executive", wherein Drucker wrote: "Effectiveness, in other words, is a habit", and which includes a chapter called "First Things First".

The author consistently opposes "quick-fix" solutions to life or business problems and insists that changes in paradigm or mindset to align with natural principles provide the "true" source of solutions. Covey points out, for example, that the paradigm that produces short-term results in business inevitably leads to an inability to produce results for the long term. He calls this "killing the golden goose". Covey advocates balancing short- and long-term productive capacities as the most effective mindset for the businessperson.

I found the Book extremely helpfull and I believe everyone should read it at least once.
A great book by Stephen R Covey..

I generally have a difficult time rating self help books highly due to the massive amount of repetition among them combined with a seemingly subconscious effort to leave the reader merely excited into action. I have read countless self help books on the subject of achievement and rate very few as above average. The 7 Habits is one I rate above average and recommend reading.

Covey offers a well laid out analysis of achievement. He details the soundness of his advice and leaves the reader with absolute confidence in his views by supporting his positions with sound logic.

Covey excels with this book by presenting a writing style intended for the intellectual. The 7 Habits reads like a qualified lecture which is refreshing compared the massive amount of personal achievement books available that more closely resemble a motivational speech than compilation of functional principals.

I recommend this book to those seeking improvement in their lives particularly in attitude and organization of priorities. Covey encompasses a wide array of information that promises to provide ample substance to people at all levels of ability and achievement.


All the best.

X

Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is absolutely, positively one of the most useful and clearly written nonfiction books I've ever read...and reread. Being proactive, the first step in what Covey calls the "private victory" is essential before a person can continue on to the other six steps, and rarely a day passes when the circles of influence and concern don't cross my mind. I can recall vividly the exactly spot on I-20 when I heard Covey talking about the first and second creations of (and in) one's life, a concept he discusses in the 2nd habit, "Begin with the end in mind." Whenever I'm at an impasse with a child, co-worker, friend, or my husband, I stop and remind myself of Covey's recommendation to "Seek first to understand, then to be understood," the fifth habit. I also like the last habit, "Sharpen the saw" and if I'm ever grumpy, out of sorts, or overly stressed, it's likely because I haven't taken the time to renew one of my four dimensions: physical, mental, social/emotional, and spiritual.

Truly, all of the habits are benefic to living an effective, well-balanced life. Covey's clear writing, his many anecdotes and illustrations, and his novel definitions of terms both old (maturity and integrity) and new (emotional bank account) combine to make the 7 Habits well worth reading...and rereading.

Contrary to seller's description, the book was received in very poor condition. Pages were marked, colour was pale. The book was dirty

Great book with lots of principles applicable to all areas of life. Highly recommend this book!

I really find myself very hesitant to write a review for a book that took from his writer a quarter of a century to write it..!!!.

Dr. Covey is a star and a Mind Master. He is considered one of the most influential men in the United States.

I wrote this review just to have the pleasure of being attached to the name of this author in Amazon.

The only comment I have...."this book is a breakthrough" in understanding the life and the "Natural Laws" as stated by Dr. Covey.

Have a good reading...you will regret spending time not reading this book...Dr. Covey's work is magnificent...!!!!

although my ordered items delayed in arrival, i experienced good & prompt follow up service in the tracing. if you could provide direct telephone number for outside u.s. that is better. thank you!

I will start by admitting that I didn't fully read this Stephen Covey book so take what I have to say with a grain of salt and ignore my review completely if you so desire. There is a good reason why I didn't get very far and I will get to that.

I read the book "How to win friends and influence people" years ago and to this day, I believe it was one of the greatest books I have ever read. The techniques I learned from that book truly did change my life and improve me as a person. Only recently someone suggested to me that if I enjoyed Dale Carnegie's book then I would definitely enjoy "The 7 habits of highly effective people" as well. Now I generally am not a fan of "Self help" type books but after reading some very positive reviews on the internet I decided I would buy it and read it. I purchased the book on a Friday and returned it on Saturday. Let me explain why.

Within a few pages of beginning the book Covey began rambling about his faith, the power of prayer, God and so on. (Later I found out he is an active member of the Church of Latter Day Saints). Sorry, but as soon as some whacko starts bringing religion, spirituality, prayer, higher power or whatever else into the discussion I pretty much tune out and lose interest and faith in anything else he has to say. I won't go too deeply into it here because I don't want to offend anybody but I've got no time for religion or religious zealots. As an Objectivist I believe in logic and reason, not mysticism and blind faith in something totally unproven. As far as I'm concerned anyone who uses religion to bolster their argument for or against anything is an automatic write off and someone whose advice I make a point of deliberately ignoring.

Some may gain some benefit from this book and if they do then that is fantastic and I am happy for them. Just be aware that Covey is a Bible basher and tries to interject religion into what is supposed to be a self help manual. For me that makes him a total write off.

When I worked at Borders I always recommended this book over other self-help titles. It's a book that can be read over and over to gain a greater understanding of the seven habits.

I have read this book several times over my career and always find it helpful and useful. I recently bought copies for all of my employees and asked them to create personal goals based on the habits. If you read and understand the 7 habits and put them in use, you will understand yourself better, but most importantly, you will understand others better. Simply put, you must read this book to be highly effective.

This is a great book for anyone in or out of business. The values and principles presented by Stephen Covey are timeless and will always be effective when used.

The style of reading also somewhat light so that it is easy to go through quickly. It's one of those books you can go back and read again and get something else out of it you didn't before.

Enjoy!

When building a professional reference library, you have to start from the ground up. Anyone with goals will benefit greatly from reading this book. I own the audio version, which is a better format for those of us with time management issues because it allows for listening in the car or plane. If you have things you want to accomplish in life and are feeling stuck or unmotivated, buy this book today. And if you don't already own it How to Win Friends & Influence People is another essential and should be in every professional's library along with a good business and social etiquette book likeBusiness Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work, Essential Etiquette Fundamentals, Vol. 1: Dining Etiquette, and Essential Etiquette Fundamentals, Vol. 2: Wine Selection & Etiquette. These cover well the fundamentals of social and professional interaction. You would be surprised by how many people neglect the fundamentals.

I've had this book on my buy list forever, it seems, because it is on the recommended reading lists of so many "influential people" whose philosophies I have embraced in many years of running a business. I wish I had read it as a teenager. I can only say that reading this book will make you a better person in dealing with the many different personalities you encounter in the course of life if you adhere to only some of the "seven habits".

This classic is a byword in the area of self-improvement. If you only read one self-help book this year, make it this one.

Covey writes in a style that is interesting and engaging. He speaks from personal experiences, and draws his readers into his text.

For sheer practicality, do not pass up "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People."

Highly recommend this book for anyone sincerely wanting to make a difference in their life and the life of others. I recommend that to get the most of the book, that you study it rather than just reading it. You need to take notes, make a journal and teach these principles to others in order to really make a difference in the change you desire in your life and the lives of others. Merely reading this book will give you greater insight to change but applying the principles found in the book as I listed above by using them in your life will give you the most for your buck.

I would personally like to thank Stephen Covey for writing this book and the work book too!

I have heard of people praise this book for years. I finally broke down and bought a copy. It has given a real strategy for for becoming a better employee, husband, and father. I now feel like the demands on my time can be managed.

This book is an excellent book when it comes to just laying out the do's and dont's of being successful in life. Once you obtain the knowledge from the book about the 7 habits it's up to you however to apply them in your everyday life. In the book the author tells you to read the whole book through for the first time then proceed on filpping back those pages to specific chapters where you struggle. Let me tell you this book has HELPED me change my life.... it's so easy to understand each individual habit! It's practically spelled out for you! And if you are a visual learner, this book is also packed with great visuals to help map out the habits for you! WOULD HIGHLY RECCOMEND!

Excellent book. Cannot wait to hear it again in three months. Also, provided much of my personal goals for the year.

I acquired this book in a time managment training. My professor in graduate school also made this a required reading. We all could have a very busy life where we lost focus easily. The book reminds me staying focus. It is priceless! Pocket size is good for carring around but a hard cover would be nicer for collection.

Peter Teiman Franklin here,
Great book on self-management.
Peter Teiman Franklin
Sweden

The 7 Habits is a great resource for coaching people who have not yet read and "worked" the 7 Habits, as well as for people who think they incorporate the 7 Habits into their personal and professional lives but who need to fine-tune their habits! I offer it as a standard resource and tool for new coaching clients. Typically, people do well on some of the habits, but need to focus deeply on others. Using the 7 Habits as a compass for self development, my clients often become interested in complimentary books and audio resources- like those on emotional intelligence, proactivity, time management, influence, etc. Covey's writing style and his audio recordings on the 7 Habits are so "warm" and "real" that all my coaching clients who use the resource have told me that working on their "habits" has changed their lives in significant ways!

The audio version is execellent! I purchased hard copy to put make notes and highlight points I want to consider.

Fast service and excellent condition of the item. Seller exceeded service by shipping it fast enough to get before Christmas. I will definitely buy again for this seller.

I could not even get through part one! I'm really glad I borrowed this book from a friend instead of buying it because the first 35 pages did not hold my interest at all! He rambles on about principles and perceptions without saying anything new. I almost wanted to count how many times he used the word paradigm. I know this book is highly recommended by some, but not by me. There are better books on leadership and management that are practical and get straight to the point without the endless pyschobabble.

I very much enjoyed the book. It really made me think about how I handle the different situations on a daily basis. Great knowledge to be had from this fine book.

Had a prof in college recommend this way back when... At the time i considered it fluff stuff and tossed it. This was during my master's program where anything that didn't talk about numbers would have seemed fluff.

Also... you may get the feeling of "common sense" as you read it. However... challenge yourself.... if you think it is common sense then the real question is.. "are you doing it" or "are you living it" or "do i i operate on principles or facade".

If you're not living it you either don't agree or you don't share the common sense you should be seeking to gain from these reads. I think most people wish to live by their principles and pursue a mission and vision in life of some meaning and substance.

As Covey points out.. he didn't invent this stuff... he just wrote about it. Glad he did and I am glad i picked this book many years later and read it again. Now that I own a software development company i have found this material to be a key aspect in what i am doing. After all... I went in business to escape the pressure of.... no wait.... said differently... I went into business to gain the freedom to run and promote a principle based company. This, when done from the inside out, makes for a much more honest and effective company.

Shy a little away from a focus on efficiency and look at becoming highly effective with all you do. To get the most out of this I suggest reading it as though you're going teach it (Covey suggested that too). I did read it for reason as I promoted this book within the company to my partner and board of directors.

Bottom line... one of the best I have read to make a difference in my business. I have literally read hundreds!

This book has been around for a while, but I just read it again for the 5th time. While these habits are not neccessarily earth-shattering, reading them reminds of them. And, it is not if I know about the habits, the trick is how good of a job am I doing with these habits in my life. If you are interested in self-improvement, buy this book and follow the principles.