LIVING THE 7 HABITS ---- STORIES OF COURAGE AND INSPIRATION
by Stephen R. Covey. Simon & Schuster, 1999
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THIS BOOK (pxv-ixix)

    The "framework" of thinking that permeates all of these stories is based upon the "7 Habits" book written by Stephen Covey, which are in turn based upon universal, timeless and self-evident principles!

    The "principles" apply in any situation, any culture and they belong to all six major world religions and they are found in all societies and institutions that have truly enduring success. (pxvi-xvii)

      [1] By "timeless" is meant that they never change since they are permanent, natural laws, like gravity!

      [2] By "self-evident" is meant that you cannot really argue against them any more than you can argue that you can build trust without trustworthiness!

      [3] The fundamental assumption/proposition is that ALL "highly effective" people LIVE the principles underlying the 7 HABITS --- even in this turbulent, troubled, complex world of change!

      [4] Further, it is assumed that "effectiveness" can be defined as getting the results you want in a way that enables you to get even greater results or success in the future --- in a sustainable and balanced way!

      [5] In addition, when the 7 HABITS are fully learned and applied, they operate like natural laws, whether you are aware of it or not! For example, the principle of responsibility (Habit 1) is self-evident and so are all the other principles, namely, the principle of having a purpose (Habit 2), the principle of living by the principles (Habit 3), the principle of mutual respect and benefit (Habit 4), the principle of mutual understanding (Habit 5), the principle of creative cooperation (Habit 6), and the principle of continual improvement (Habit 7). These 7 principles are like the vitamins and minerals found in all kinds of foods. They are found in diverse aspects of Nature and can be expressed in many forms.

    The "words" of the 7 HABITS are only symbols of the world of human principles. They are like the "key" that opens a "door" of meaning.

PART 1--- Individual (p1-47)

    1) Courage to change (p4-31)

    2) Seeking life balance (p32-47)

PART 2 --- Family (p48-125)

    3) Raising young children (p52-75)

    4) Raising teens --- or is it being raised by them? (p76-107)

    5) Marriage --- valuing the differences (p108-124)

PART 3 --- Community and education (p125-189)

    6) Building community (p129-162)

    7) Back to school (p163-189)

PART 4 --- work place (p190-296)

    8) Increasing your influence (p194-205)

    9) Managing --- THINK "WIN-WIN" (p206-235)

    10) Leading organizations (p236-296)

SHARING YOUR STORY (p297-298)

QUESTIONS I AM OFTEN ASKED (p299-306)

MEASURING THE IMPACT (p307-308)

ABOUT FRANKLIN COVEY COMPANY (p309-310)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (p311)

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