Running head: THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Chantel L. Henderson
University of St. Thomas

Professor: Patrick Huff, Ph.D.

May 3, 2015

Running head: THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Stephen R. Coveys book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, illustrates seven
dynamic traits that eradicate stereotypes and fosters human effectiveness. He challenges readers
to identify and understand their habits so they can create road maps to success. The maps are
defined as paradigms. Our perceptions define how we examine and view situations. We must
altar traits within ourselves to shift our thinking. This journey will awaken our leadership skills;
thereby, improving personal and professional goals.
The first habit is titled Be Proactive. Leadership is a thrilling yet frightening process. I
know I have leadership qualities but this chapter forced me to view myself through a social
mirror and examine my choice of language. Covey illustrates that reactive language must be
changed to proactive language. Unfortunately, doubt begins to consume most children at an early
age and without proper guidelines this plague travels into adulthood. For example, when my six
year old son is struggling to play a new song on the piano, he constantly says I cant do this.
My husband and I quickly remind him that he can and will be able to play the song. If we were
not around to correct the negativity and provide encouragement, he would give up. It saddens me
that I hear I cant from students all the time.
The second habit is titled Begin with the End in Mind. It was difficult for me to focus on
reading this chapter because Covey asks the reader to visualize themselves at a funeral and
viewing themselves as the person in the casket. My wonderful and loving father, Reverend Riley
Moore, went to be with our Lord and Savior last October. His services were beautiful but I did
not want to place myself into Coveys scenario. However, days later I read the chapter and
clearly understood his message. Everyone should have a personal mission statement and
determine their centers. The categories include: spouse-centered, family-centered, money-

Running head: THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE

centered, work-centered, possession-centered, pleasure-centered, friend-centered, enemycentered, church-centered, and self-centered. I classified myself as family-centered. I was
puzzled that Covey did not list faith-centered. The details under church-centered only focused on
the negative traits of church goers.
The third habit is titled Put First Things First. One of my favorite quotes is from William
Shakespeare, All the worlds a stage and all the men and women merely players. It means that
everyone has a role to play in society. Covey dares readers to view their roles which might
comprise of a spouse, parent, or board member. Analyzing responsibilities will lead to clear
management objectives and timelines. Leaders must manage time by prioritizing daily and
weekly needs. I enjoy the planning process because I feel peaceful when I am organized.
The fourth habit is titled Think Win/Win. Leadership requires a win/win mentality. Covey
describes being asked by a companys president to get his employees to cooperate with one
another. However, he did not realize that placing them in a competitive situation only prompted
them to focus on themselves. After reading this chapter, it occurred to me that our school
districts function in this same capacity. Super indents meet with all administrators at the same
time to share and discuss the results of the standards that were met and not met. During our staff
meetings, benchmark exams are compared to other schools within the district.
The fifth habit is titled Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood. In my opinion,
empathic listening is probably the most difficult trait for most people to master. It requires
patience and a fundamental desire to put someone elses needs before your own. Examples of
this can be seen in the workplace every Monday morning when people say, How was your
weekend? In my experience few people truly want to know about your weekend. It is a Monday
traditional phrase that ignites casual greetings.

Running head: THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE

The sixth habit is titled Synergize. Creative expression is extremely gratifying. I have
always enjoyed writing, crafts, and decorating. Ironically, I am guilty of not embracing creative
cooperation. Covey highlights that most people struggle to create and communicate goals or to
work towards accomplishing goals. Throughout my professional career I have seen numerous of
creative professionals struggle to embrace ideas and brainstorm. Creative expression is personal;
therefore, it is difficult to set aside personal needs and try new things.
The seventh and final habit is titled Sharpen the Saw. Take the time and smell the roses
is a quote I have heard my entire life. It simply means to enjoy the precious moments in life.
Covey labels this same concept as Sharpen the saw. We are our greatest assets. We must
continually renew four dimensions: physical, spiritual, mental, and social/emotional. Although I
agree that renewal is vital to clearing the mind and allowing for the progression of growth, some
changes can only occur with age. The highs and pitfalls ultimately shape how we feel and
respond to situations.
In sum, the acquisition of knowledge is a continual journey because social and economic
issues significantly impact our ability to process and retain knowledge. As a result, this forces us
to question what we are doing and if we should alter our thoughts and feelings. The 7 Habits of
Highly Effective People is a manuscript for daily personal and professional success. It is evident
that Stephen Covey has a passion for growth. Each chapter clearly illustrates his point of views.
The personal stories about his son spoke to my heart because I think every parent questions if
they are conveying messages that will enhance their childs development and self-esteem. I was
fascinated that each habit builds onto the next habit. Currently, I am working on discovering
solutions within Habit 2 Begin with the End in Mind and Habit 3 Put First Things First. I chose

Running head: THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE

to read this book because I wanted to seek innovative ways to flourish in my personal and
professional life. I am thrilled that I have not been disappointed.

Running head: THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE

References
Covey, S. (2004). In Simon & Schuster (Eds.), The 7 habits of highly effective people (pp. 1
391). New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.