Michael Angelo Caruso (Speaking, Writing and Speaking for your success) had the following to say about Dr. Stephen Covey: “Covey’s most famous book is not an easy read. Heck the audio book isn’t much easier to get through. The good doctor was not an entertainer, he was an intellect. He wasn’t funny; he was smart. Covey’s content was what I call a “slow cook.”

For the uninitiated, here’s his seven habits, along with a brief description of each.

Habit 1: Be Proactive
Take initiative in life by realizing that your decisions are the primary determining factor for effectiveness in your life.

Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
Envision the ideal characteristics for each of your various roles and relationships in life.

Habit 3: Put First Things First
Prioritize, plan, and execute your week’s tasks based on importance rather than urgency.

Habit 4: Think Win-Win
Strive for mutually beneficial solutions. Understand that a “win” for all is crucial to a “good deal.”

Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
Create an atmosphere of caring, respect, and positive problem solving. Empathic listening compels others to be 0pen to you.

Habit 6: Synergize
Combine the strengths of people through positive teamwork, so as to achieve goals no one person could have done alone.

Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Balance and renew your resources, energy, and health to create a sustainable, long-term, effective lifestyle” 

I have listened to and read some great stuff from Michael Caruso so if you are interested in learning about his elevator presentation etc. you should check his web site and get on his e-mail list.

michaelangelocaruso@edisonhouse.com

 Jesse Fox