Stephen R. Covey passed away in July 2012 but he leaves behind a priceless legacy of memorable and inspiring teachings. He dispenses thoughtful advice on the essential themes of life like wisdom, leadership, success, love and family.
The book “The Wisdom and Teachings of Stephen R. Covey” is a compilation of Stephen R. Covey’s most important and vital teachings drawn from his bestselling books. His words are highly influential not only in business, but also in academia, government and other institutions.
Dr.Covey shares timeless truths applicable to attaining success in both our professional and personal lives. Some of the nuggets of wisdom in the book follows in the paragraphs below.
THE PRINCIPLE OF ACCOUNTABILITY
Holding Holding people to the responsible course is not demeaning; it is affirming.
THE PRINCIPLE OF BALANCE
Many people seem to think that success in one area can compensate for failure in other areas. But can it really? True effectiveness requires balance.
THE PRINCIPLE OF CHOICE
I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.
THE PRINCIPLE OF CONTRIBUTION
Primary greatness means character and contribution. Secondary greatness is prestige and wealth and position.
THE PRINCIPLE OF COURAGE
Many people think ……in either/or terms. They think if you’re nice, you’re not tough. But win-win thinking is nice….and tough.
THE PRINCIPLE OF EMPATHY
Seek first to understand, then to be understood.
THE PRINCIPLE OF INTEGRITY
In the last analysis, what we are communicates far more eloquently than anything we say or do.
THE PRINCIPLE OF LEADERSHIP
I don’t define leadership as becoming the CEO. A CEO is no more likely to be a leader than anyone else. I am talking about leading your own life, being a leader among your friends, being a leader in your own family
THE PRINCIPLE OF SELF-DISCIPLINE
Most people equate discipline with an absence of freedom. In fact, the opposite is true; only the disciplined are truly free. The undisciplined are slaves to moods, appetites and passions.
THE PRINCIPLE OF SELF-DISCIPLINE
Most people equate discipline with an absence of freedom. In fact, the opposite is true; only the disciplined are truly free. The undisciplined are slaves to moods, appetites and passions.
THE PRINCIPLE OF WIN-WIN
Win-win is not a personality technique. Win-win is a frame of mind and heart that constantly seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions. It’s a total philosophy of human interaction. It comes from a character of integrity, maturity, and the Abundance Mentality. It grows out of high-trust relationships.
This book aptly ends with a selection of Stephen Covey’s favourite quotations from other notable thinkers, dreamers, poets and scientists. This reviewer would like to highlight the following quote from E.M. Gray in this final section:
The successful person has the habit of doing the things failures don’t like to do. They don’t like doing them either….But their disliking is subordinated to the strength of their purpose.
The gems of wisdom in this book are evident in the above review. I highly recommend this exciting and challenging book! Happy reading!
The Wisdom and Teachings of Stephen R. Covey by Stephen R. Covey
— Book Review by Lee Mei Chuen
