I have read this book numerous times and come away convicted to work harder at being more effective every time I read it. I think that the content and principles in this book are, for the most part, spot on and very helpful. The deficit that this book carries is that these are seven habits for a very specific personality group and mindset. If you are a flighty, creative type save yourself the frustration of trying to cram yourself into a different shaped mold. Read it once, figure out a personal application, and then turn it into paper mache. ( )

From Judy Mom

Unlike many other books that might be classified as personal development, self-help or self-management books, "The 7 Habits..." does not give you quick rules. The book describes a principle-centered approach to life and habits based on that approach. The title might suggest a time-management book, but it is not. It is not a GTD-like book and it will not keep your inbox at zero.

The habits are by no means quick and easy solutions, they require a lot of effort, strength and perseverance, but they all just "feel right".

VHS

I don't think that any review written now can really do this book justice. We are too far removed, and have too frequently read these ideas in other forms and adaptations, to adequately review this book. At least, that's how it was for me -- as I was reading, I kept running into ideas that I was sure I had heard before, somewhere or another. And in the intervening two decades since this book was first published and has sold -- what, 15 million copies? -- Covey's ideas have certainly made their rounds. What was once cutting-edge and incredibly eye-opening has now become every man's mid-morning lecture, which is perhaps the truest testimony to the strength of the material to be found in this book.

Reading it in 2009, though, I have to say that I find the language and basic life construct presented in the book rather outdated: men are displayed as the movers and shakers, while women seem relegated to defending the home. Covey seems to ignore women's movements into the workplace, even as that trend was in full swing. Also, the book seems to suffer from an attempt to enforce a life meaning or mission, without pausing to consider our motivation in finding such a meaning. Covey's approach is not overwhelmingly controlled by any particular prevailing dogma, but it does seem dependent on respect for a higher being. If you're not already an innately spiritual or religious person, I can imagine this approach would be rather grating.

The overall gist of the book, though, transcends any sort of religious approach to a more deeply humanist approach: integrity is supreme, and we as a society and culture are not yet exercising it sufficiently. No matter whether you subscribe to Covey's principles or not, this basic underlying tenet is a good reminder.

Overall, a worthy read, if you can get past the outdatedness. [Note: I read the first edition; I don't know if later editions have been updated to compensate for this outdatedness. I'd also be interested to read some of his later books and see how he targets these plans to different audiences (e.g., kids, teens, etc.).]

This book is the main text of a secular religion. Stephen Covey is/was a practicing Mormon; this, however, is his personal religion and faith. Reading his preface, Covey says that the more he practices his own principles, the more he realizes that he has not actually put his own principles into practice. This is a religion of salvation by works, though Covey does not say that in so many words. On page 11, Covey wrote that the ultimate source of his principles is God.
I say this is a secular religion because there are scant references to God or Scripture, but each principle is referred to as an ultimate principle. A Jew, Muslim, Hindu, Mormon, Catholic, Unitarian, or Baptist could all equally practice Covey's principles without equivocation.
So, the principles are useful insofar as they are also utilitarian; Covey's ideas are dangerous insofar as they place human effort above God's Sovereignty and Grace. There is no mercy here, only work and self effort.
Be careful reading and implementing the principles of this books to not lose sight of Whose we are, and Who is really in control. ( )

The seven habits are universal and applicable not only at work, but also at home. They deserve reading and re-reading year after year. The only problem I have with the author is that some of the stories told are simply too neat and perfect, and they leave the reader feeling just a bit as if they are being talked down to. The whole "clean and green" story just seems to have been enhanced, and is told with such extreme detail you simply want it to end. ( )

This is the granddaddy of behavior modification by lists. Covey is a household name now. The seven habits continue to stand up. Of course they are really based in common sense. Pub first things first and do not procrastinate.

I was given this book by my mother for a graduation gift. Then she actually made me read it before I left for college. Great motivational book on who to be successful in every endeavor of life. Most like overdue for a re-read. ( )

This book gives you an approach for solving personal and professional problems.

Great and practical self development oriented one indeed

A must read! Great personal development reading. Covey uses great stories. Great book for mindset. Book flows very well. I highly recommend. ( )

You have to read this book, than you need to read it again, then do it, than read it, than do it, then read it, etc...it has the potential to change your life. ( )

I don't normally read self-help books, partly because I didn't need any help, but after I picked up The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and read through it, I realized it wasn't all just self-help.

In Seven Habits, Covey doesn't give a feel-good panacea for all your troubles. Instead, he introduces habits that you must develop if you want to improve your interpersonal skills.

The habits themselves make sense, but applying them to your daily life is the challenge. Though, if you're applying them just to be more effective, and not to actually be a better person, you're missing the point.

Recommended for business managers and others who wish to make people feel good in their presence. ( )

Over the almost 10 years that I've owned this book, I've started it about 4 times. I am proud to say that earlier this week, I can finally say that I have completed it! Overall, I thought the book has invaluable concepts and advice to all people, regardless of industry and occupation. However, as I’ve been reading Covey's book, I can’t help but make parallels to other business books and concepts that I’ve been exposed to over the years. I feel that Stephen Covey’s ideas are the “Effectiveness 1.0” and that many of the other business books and theories have borrowed and expanded upon his original concepts. This is a great book for anyone to read or at least become familiar with the concepts so that they can lead better more efficient lives. ( )

I'm embarrassed to say I did read this book, but still have not put its program into practice. I'm sure it would benefit me if I did. Recommended reading. ( )

This book is okay as a motivator, the only problem is that the reader pretty much has to pick it up and read it like holy text in order to get anything from it.

That's not saying it's a bad book, far from it. The only qualms this reader has is that the ideas inside 7 Habits seems to have slowly morphed into Groupspeak.

This reader wonders: Is it still effective if it's become cliché? ( )

Very informative with great ideas as long as they are used on a consistent basis ( )

A great book on how to live the good life. The principles really get to the heart of the human experience and go beyond quick and easy measures to increase one's productivity. If you want to maintain a happy, peaceful balanced life in an increasingly chaotic world, then this book is for you. ( )

This book is always a good one to re-read. The habits are really common sense, but sometimes you need to sit down and remember them. ( )

Great book. Learn a lot about being a better business person AND a better person in general. ( )

I have had this book on my reading list for a while. This books has been a valuable catalyst in my personal development. On one hand there is very little that is shocking. As the author freely admits, he does not consider the principles that these habits embody to be his, but universal. While I think most people will find an innate understanding of each of these habits, Stephen Covey is blessed with an ability to clearly explain them in a way that will help you grow if you chose to follow them.

You do not have to be unhappy with your life, job or marriage to find benefit in this book. What the book helped me with was to make clear to where I needed to improve. Although Stephen Covey is a religious man, he had written the book in such a way that can be approached and understood by anyone from the atheist, to the agnostic and the religious man.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a direction or approach to give their life more mean and purpose. ( )

The best time management system and certainly the most publicized. There's no big secret in what Covey has to say, it's how he says it that makes it worth while. ( )

Offering a "principles-centered" approach to leadership, Covey provides a mostly anecdotal account of the character and task of the effective leader. Covey highlights seven habits central to personal change: (1) be proactive; (2) begin with the end in mind; (3) put first things first; (4) think win/win; (5) seek first to understand, then to be understood; (6) synergize; (7) sharpen the saw. A useful and necessary, if at times clichéd, overview of character-driven leadership. B+ ( )