THE SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE

In Stephen Covey‘s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, he wrote about ways in
which people can be productive. The seven habits of highly effective people are as
follows:

Habit # 1: [BE PROACTIVE]

Proactive means “the ability to choose the response.” We have the ability to choose
between right and wrong. But it must be taken into account that we must be responsible
enough for whatever consequences our actions may lead to. Use your creativity and
initiatives. You are the one in charge.

Habit # 2: [BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND]

Where do we go from here? Know where you want to go. In making plans and decisions,
see to it that the time and efforts that will be spent and utilized conforms to what we want
to achieve. Use your ability to envision. This is where I want to go and these are the
things that must be done to lead me to that direction.

Habit # 3: [PUT FIRST THINGS FIRST]

Practice self-management. Know your
priorities.

Habit # 4: [THINK WIN-WIN]

This concerns mutual benefit. Putting both parties on favorable situation.

Habit # 5: [SEEK FIRST TO UNDERSTAND… THEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD]

As the saying goes, “The best way to understand is to listen.” The practice of empathy
governs this habit. It is about putting ourselves on the shoes of the other person. Based on
the person‘s explanation, we ought to evaluate, probe, advise and interpret as a way of
responding to the person‘s feelings.

Habit # 6: [SYNERGIZE]
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. More tasks will be done if we utilize all the
things that we have. Even though your contribution is that small, if everybody will do
their part, things will go on smoothly.

Habit # 7: [SHARPEN THE SAW]

What we had learned a couple of years back will become outdated. Many things evolve
and develop so fast, that there is a need to update ourselves through various food-for-the
brain resources.