The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
In 1989, Stephen R. Covey released his acclaimed business and self-help book, 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People'. The book sold 25 million copies in 38 languages and was named the ‘Most Influential Business Book of the Twentieth Century’, so it is no surprise that it remains a firm fixture on the bookshelves of most leaders.
Here at Suzie Walker Executive Search, we believe that self-development is crucial to a long and successful career, which is why we are such strong advocates for coaching and learning. These 7 habits are a useful tool to reflect and improve, and certainly worth sharing:
1. Be proactive
This habit is about taking responsibility for our responses and stretching our abilities. If we choose to respond positively in tricky situations, finding a way forwards, we make the most of opportunities.
2. Begin with the end in mind
To begin each day with clarity and clear goals in order to direct your sails. Your personal mission statement will enable you to work smarter rather than harder, so that you can effectively reach your goals more easily. (Read our ‘Career questions to ask yourself’ as a starting point.)
3. Put first things first
Time management can often see us fitting in as much as we can in the time available but what we should really be doing is prioritising – putting the important things before the ‘urgent’ things – to achieve results.
4. Think win-win
This habit seeks to find mutual benefits through relationship-building and a belief that there is a slice of the pie available for everyone involved. Therefore, partnership and sponsorship opportunities are often so successful, by using win-win thinking.
5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood
A sign of any great leader is the ability to listen and empathise before forging ahead. Understanding helps us to communicate effectively, resolving differences and ensuring credibility.
6. Synergise
Teamwork and collaboration bring people together to untap ideas and creativity, making a whole rather than the sum of its parts. By working effectively as a team, inviting different perspectives and points of view, minds and possibilities expand.
7. Sharpen the saw
This is a habit that often gets overlooked but without the opportunity for self-care, we can find ourselves depleted and unable to fully utilise the other six habits. A holistic approach to self-care includes taking care of the mind (e.g. reading, meditation, and visualising), the body (exercise, healthy eating, and decent quality sleep) and the spirit (e.g., spending time with people, acts of service, and meditation).
If you are looking to hire a great leader or feel ready to move towards the next stage your career, please get in touch or connect with us/send a message on LinkedIn.
With warmest regards,
the Suzie Walker Executive Search team
Suzie Walker Executive Search is a firm of specialist headhunters with an expert team recruiting interim and permanent senior leaders for marketing, data, digital and tech roles in FTSE 350 and private equity-backed companies. Find out how we can support you by connecting with a Consultant below.