Week 7: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

It is always good to get reminders of what we have learned in the past. I had a high school math teacher tell us that we only retain about one fourth of all the information we are given that is why she would tell us the same thing four times. I read Stephen Covey’s book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People about eight years ago. I remember a lot from it and actually have use the same teachings today not knowing where I learned them from. But it is always good to go over the seven steps again (remember one fourth the information):

1. Be proactive

2. Begin with the end in mind

3. First thing first

4. Think “win-win”

5. First seek to understand, then to be understood

6. Create Synergy

7. Sharpen the saw

I love synergy and love its principle; but what I have learned more and emphasize to my wife and my business thoughts is step four, think “win-win.” We should go into business to benefit others and then we will receive what we want because we gave to others. I want to have an ultralight aircraft business because I want people who can’t afford a pilot license or personal airplane to still be able to fly with an ultralight. When we give others what they want we will in turn receive what we want. This is a “win-win” situation. The “win-win” can also be applied to how we come to agreements. We want both parties to win and be happy, anything other will not be the best outcome.