Originally published in 1989, to date selling over 40 million copies of the physical book. Stephen Covey provides 7 insightful chapters on self-improvement and provides a solid foundation for people to become more “effective” whether that is social, mental, or psychological. The book can easily be digested, referenced, and guaranteed to keep you coming back over and over again throughout your journey of life.
HOW THIS BOOK HELPED US?
This book helped us understand that a pattern of behavior in reaction to a specific situation may be inherited or acquired through frequent repetition. It helped us understand that effective people possess a certain behavior which is a product of their intentionally conceived choices along with the fact it’s essential to never stop learning and improving throughout your life.
THE BOOK EXPLAINED IN UNDER 60 SECONDS
- The seven habits & principles that make you more efficient personally and professionally are clearly explained. Covey demonstrates how a habit-focused character-based life helps you formulate healthy relationships that are vital in life.
- Creates awareness of how assumptions and perceptions block success in both business and personal relationships.
- The book also points out the rationale of effectively achieving goals together as a team rather than an individual personal goal/achievement.
TOP THREE QUOTES
- “Most people do not listen with the intention of understanding, rather they listen with the intention of replying.”
- “Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he can and should be and he will become as he can and should be.”
- “To change ourselves effectively, we first had to change our perceptions.”
BOOK SUMMARY AND NOTES
HABIT ONE: PROACTIVITY
Don’t blame the circumstances, your behavior must be a result of your own conscious choice based on values, not feelings. You decide on how to respond to what you encounter in life, the freedom of choice lies between response and stimulus. You should demonstrate that “taking an initiative” is not being pushy or aggressive but rather acknowledging our responsibilities to make things happen.
Favorite Quote of the Chapter: “I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man
to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.”
HABIT TWO: BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND
You set a goal first (which is the end) and focus on the systems & processes that help you achieve the kind of goal you have in mind. Beginning with the end in mind acts as your frame of reference for your goal. For you to know where you are, you first need to know where you’re going and the most appropriate way to start is to develop a personal statement that explains what you want to be (character) and to do (achievement).
Favorite Quote of the Chapter: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us”
HABIT THREE: PUT FIRST THINGS FIRST
Priorities are key, it is essential to make sure you prioritize the priorities in your life. Spend most of your time on matters that are in line with your goal or values, don’t waste time on needless tasks. Focus on the most important and pressing matters in hand and put the unimportant matters last in consideration.
Favorite Quote of the Chapter: “Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.”
HABIT FOUR: THINK WIN-WIN
This is not a technique, but rather a school of thought of human interactions. It’s a frame of mind and soul that perpetually seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions. Thinking win-win simply means that agreements and decisions made satisfy the two parties, therefore, both parties are at peace and feel attached to the action plan.
Favorite Quote of the Chapter: “Express one’s own feelings and convictions balanced with consideration for the thoughts and feelings of someone.”
HABIT FIVE: SEEK TO UNDERSTAND, THEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD
Seek first to understand. Listen with the aim of understanding and not replying. For you to effectively understand others, empathetic listening must be applied and, for others to understand you, you must lay out your views based on personal credibility, emotional attachment with the listener, and logical reasoning.
Favorite Quote of the Chapter: “When the trust account is high, communication is easy, instant, and effective.”
HABIT SIX: SYNERGIZE
Focus on the results of togetherness rather than focusing on results achieved on an individual basis. The foundation of synergy is that two individuals can disagree, and both can still be right. It’s up to the individual to understand both perspectives and then make a decision on how to move forward.
Favorite Quote of the Chapter: “If a person of your intelligence and competence and commitment disagrees with me, then there must be something to your disagreement that I don’t understand and I need to understand it, you have a perspective, a frame of reference I need to look at.”
HABIT SEVEN: SHARPEN THE SAW
The greatest asset you possess is you, therefore always enhance yourself. It regenerates the four attributes (Physical, Spiritual, Mental, and Social/Emotional) of your nature. Sharpening the saw, in other words, continuous learning & improvement are key elements of the 7 habits paradigm.
Favorite Quote of the Chapter: “Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things, I am tempted to think there are no little things.”
HOW THIS BOOK CAN HELP SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS?
“The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey can be immensely helpful for software developers. The book emphasises principles such as proactivity, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, thinking win-win, seeking to understand before being understood, synergizing, and continuously improving oneself. By incorporating these habits into their lives, software developers can improve their productivity, communication skills, teamwork, and ability to manage their time and priorities effectively. They can also enhance their problem-solving skills and adaptability, leading to better performance and success in their careers. The book can help developers develop a proactive and growth-oriented mindset that enables them to achieve success in their careers and personal lives.
