What are The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People?
Since its publication in 1989, Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has offered a proven framework for achieving personal and professional effectiveness, rooted in principles of integrity, responsibility, and long-term thinking. Habits 1 through 3 emphasize personal mastery, defining desired outcomes, and focusing efforts to lay the internal groundwork for success. Habits 4 through 6 foster collaboration and synergy with others, building strong relationships that allow us to accomplish more together than we could alone. And Habit 7 focuses on the need for self-renewal and continuous improvement to succeed in and sustain the other habits.
The book has sold more than 40 million copies and has been adapted to several courses and workshops offered by the FranklinCovey company.
For executives and learning and development professionals, The 7 Habits provides more than just individual insight—it serves as a blueprint for building high-performing, resilient organizations. Leveraging timeless principles, organizations around the world have developed leadership programs and organizational learning strategies that drive sustainable success.
Through 7 Habits courses and workshops, individuals and leaders foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and proactive problem-solving—empowering teams to excel in dynamic environments. This powerful curriculum remains an essential tool for developing skills to navigate change, inspire others, and create meaningful, lasting impact.
Habit 1: Be Proactive®
The habit of personal responsibility to focus and act on what you can control and influence instead of what you can’t.Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind®
The habit of personal vision to define clear measures of success and a plan to achieve them.Habit 3: Put First Things First®
The habit of personal management to prioritize and achieve your most important goals instead of constantly reacting to urgencies.Habit 4: Think Win-Win®
The habit of mutual benefit to collaborate more effectively by building high-trust relationships.Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood®
The habit of empathic communication to Influence others by developing a deep understanding of their needs and perspectives.Habit 6: Synergize®
The habit of creative cooperation to develop innovative solutions that leverage differences and satisfy all key stakeholders.Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw®
The habit of daily self-renewal to increase motivation, energy, and work/life balance by making time for renewing activities.Why You Should Assess Your 7 Habits Strengths
Understanding which habits you or your team excel at and which ones need improvement allows you to focus your efforts on making meaningful changes. This targeted approach can enhance time management, strengthen relationships, boost productivity, and lead to greater success both personally and professionally.
By knowing your 7 Habits strengths, you’re taking an important step toward becoming a more well-rounded and effective individual or team.