“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." - Benjamin Franklin
I will be covering a few books in the coming blogs and am happy to start with a masterpiece for all time to come.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People-Steven R. Covey
“The 7 Habits of
Highly Effective People, considered one of the most inspiring and impactful
books ever written, has captivated readers for over30 years. It has transformed
the lives of Presidents and CEOs, educators and parents-in short, millions for
people of all ages and occupations have used its step-by step pathway to adapt
to change and to take advantage of the opportunities that change create”- thus goes the citation
on the book.
Those
who have read the book and are familiar with the life and time of Steven Covey
will vouch for the veracity of the above statement as he was the mentor for top
notch leaders across the globe. He played a tremendous role in bringing about
changes in the way leaders think and act and also on nurturing leadership
skills.
The
7 Habits (of highly effective people) are quite simple to look at , but have very deep meaning and implications .
1) Be pro-active
2) Begin with the end in mind
3) Put the first things first
4 )Think Win-Win
5) Seek first to understand
6) Synergise
7) Sharpen the Saw
Seminars
and workshops were held in our country too over the years focusing on these 7
habits and even today this book comes
in for discussion, whenever leadership
skills are involved.
· The million dollar question still remains as to
how many have actually gone through the same.
· Such a
thought is natural, if one takes a look into the management practices in
different types of
organizations/institutions and
even pubic life.
· Though this
question is of academic interest , the moot point is that those who have missed
the book have lost some excellent opportunity to learn something very valuable
in life and career.
· Hence the
suggestion to all aspiring leaders to go through the book at the earliest opportunity
and to current leaders to have a re-look into the principles covered therein
for improving their leadership acumen and impact in the years ahead .
·
( Many may claim that they know Ramayan, Mahabharatha or Gita—the
moot question is how much they really know?)
- · The 7 Habits will surely transform, if they are put to disciplined use.
- No short cut exists in leadership development.
- Effort
is needed, sincerity is needed, dedication is needed, which Steven Covey always
stressed in this book and others.
Readers
are encouraged to go into the book for
more details. Suffice to stress on the last Habit a little more.
Sharpen the Saw may be familiar to all.
- Generally, this is linked with wood cutting. The wood cutter spends considerable time in sharpening the Saw, Axe , Sickle as the case may be .
- The sharper the blade , the easier it will cut the object. Similarly with leaders and others, more the practice, more will be the expertise/ability.
- More the study, more will be ability to tackle the question paper at an examination.
- All these are well known, yet many want to become national/ organisational leaders without the mandatory education, learning, training and effort.
For
such, the book is a reminder and a guide too. Abraham Lincoln once stated-“ If I
had six hours to cut down a tree, I’d spend the first four sharpening the saw”.
Acquiring appropriate knowledge ,skill and attitude is inevitable for eventual
success.( As a long time Faculty I will stress this point again and again, ad infinitum!) For many in the past, the book under reference has been an eye-opener
in their leadership quest. Highly recommended for reading and imbibing for
leadership growth and development of self and others.
ॐ
9 AM
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