The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen R. Covey, 1989)

Self Mastery

The First Three Habits surround moving from dependence to independence: 

·         Habit 1: Be Proactive

      Synopsis: 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 subsequent consequences that follow.

·         Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind

      Synopsis: 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

      Synopsis: Plan, prioritize, and execute your week's tasks based on importance rather than urgency. Evaluate whether your efforts exemplify your desired character values, propel you toward goals, and enrich the roles and relationships that were elaborated in Habit 2.

Interdependence

      The next three have to do with Interdependence (i.e., working with others):

·         Habit 4: Think Win-Win

      Synopsis: Genuinely strive 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 gotten his way.

·         Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood

      Synopsis: Use empathetic 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, respect, and positive problem solving.

·         Habit 6: Synergize

      Synopsis: Combine the strengths of people through positive teamwork, so as to achieve goals no one person could have done alone. Get the best performance out of a group of people through encouraging meaningful contribution, and modeling inspirational and supportive leadership.

Self Renewal

The Last habit relates to self-rejuvenation:

·         Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

      Synopsis: Balance and renew your resources, energy, and health to create a sustainable, long-term, effective lifestyle.