Who is Stephen Covey?
Stephen R. Covey is world famous for his self-improvement books and seminars. His products have reached millions of people and have been translated into 38 languages. He was recognized as one of Time magazine’s 25 most influential Americans, and his book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” was named the #1 Most Influential Business Book of the Twentieth Century.
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1932, Stephen R. Covey was raised in the LDS church. A practicing member of the church, he has written books dedicated to his faith, but never involves religion or politics in his books or seminars. He is happily married to Sandra Covey, his wife of nearly 50 years. They have nine children and over forty grandchildren.
Stephen Covey’s education includes a BS in Business Administration, an MBA from Harvard University, and a Doctorate of Religious Education. Covey taught at Brigham Young University before the publication of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” He was a professor of Business Management and Organizational Behavior.
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” breaks down common habits of successful people, and presents them in an easy to understand manner. The Habits are:
1. Be Proactive: Principles of Personal Choice
2. Begin with the End in Mind: Principle of Personal Vision
3. Put First Things First: Principles of Integrity and Execution
4. Think Win/Win: Principles of Mutual Benefit
5. Seeks First to Understand, Then to be Understood: Principles of Mutual Understanding
6. Synergize: Principles of Creative Cooperation
7. Sharpen the Saw: Principles of Balanced Self-Renewal
Covey did not invent these seven habits. He says they are universal principles. He is embarrassed when people talk about the “Covey Habits,” and dislikes people thinking of him as a kind of guru.
“7 Habits” was followed by “First Things First,” “The 8th Habit,” “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families,” and many others. He has sold over 20 million books. Covey has received many prestigious awards, including the “International Man of Peace” and the “International Entrepreneur of the Year.” In 2003 he won the National Fatherhood Award, which he says is the most meaningful award he has received.
Stephen R. Covey is also co-founder and vice-chairman of the Franklin-Covey company. Covey had established the “Covey Leadership Center,” and in 1997 it merged with Franklin Quest. Franklin Covey is a specialty-retailer and professional-services firm, offering educational materials and productivity tools for individuals and organizations. They have offices in 123 countries.
Stephen R. Covey is a man of great mind. He has helped millions upon millions of people around the world to improve their lives. He is an amazing motivational speaker, with a true desire to help people reach their true potential. Alongside all this, he is a devoted family-man. Mr. Covey is an incredible individual, and we are fortunate to have his common sense and wisdom.
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I am the HR Director for my company and would like to send some of my Senior people to your seminar/training course on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
How can I do this. Dates and Times can costs please.
Thank you and Merry Christmas,
Viola Spurgeon, SPHR
I am a young gabonese living Gabon located in central Africa. First I cannot comment that book without giving special thanks to my beloved friend who gave me that book. In fact, we students at university and we have already finished our studies, I am skilled in the Thirsd World studies: Civilization and Literature. I was in the English Department at OMAR BONGO UNIVERSITY. My brother studied law. We also belonged to the AIESEC which is an international platform where young leaders are trained through exchanges.
Apart from this, I am confident because that book is a real older brother who directs my steps now. For, my brother and I would like to become teachers and extol the vision of these Habits. In fact, this could really help people to strenghen their mind and also depend upon themselves knowing that african people are not good entrepreneurs when they open up a business. Now, the reall medicine is that tool developed by Covey. More, the evil thing is to keep the “SILENCE” when having this book. In sum, it needs to be spread in Central Africa apart from South Africa.
I could not end this comment without congratulating his writer, S.Covey