The 8th Habit From Effectiveness To Greatness
(Stephen R Covey)
In this abstract the book I chose to read was, ?The 8th Habit from Effectiveness to Greatness? by Stephen R Covey. Although several years have passed it is the sequel to another of his highly successful books titled The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The 8th Habit seems to cover Coveys experiences and research since he wrote the previous book. After much feedback and Covey's assessment of the changes in our work environments, he felt the need to expand on the 7 Habits and added an 8th habit that is necessary to help achieve success and balance in both one?s personal and business life. Covey explains that the initial seven habits remain crucial for a Person to be effective in her life and work, but with the changes in the world during the last several years, effectiveness is no longer enough to survive the challenges and complexities that we all must confront. He uses the phrase to describe how we are currently living as the new Knowledge Worker Age, and in order to succeed; a person must fight for "fulfillment, passionate execution and significant contribution." This new essential way of thinking is what he determines to be the eighth habit, which he states as finding "our voice and inspire others to find theirs." He views the eighth habit "as the answer to the soul's yearning for greatness, the organization's imperative for significance and superior results, and humanity's search for its 'voice." Utilizing many examples and anecdotes, Covey describes the early 21st Century as an "Age of Wisdom," where People must develop a holistic approach to understanding the entire person. This is imperative for an organization?s survival, everyone has a goal and if they are striving to fulfill their own potential than the organization will no doubt prosper. The notion of the industrial age attitude where those in charge make all of the essential decisions with the workers merely following through with the assignments without paying any attention to them as individuals. Covey considers this treatment of people as using them as "fragmented parts," which will result in mediocrity at best, and is an enormous waste of talent, productivity and personal fulfillment. Covey also mentions how the world is constantly evolving. Several terms he used to describe this in relation to the business world are "downsizing," "outsourcing," and "networking.? In order to adapt to the changing work environments a person must be able to rely on their own core Principles, such as integrity, honesty, consistent values and through the empowerment of others. The strength of your character will be a strong determining factor in your ability to survive during these times of constant change.Despite finding The 8th Habit by Covey to be much more technical than the first 7 Habits of Successful people it was extremely informative and helped me to gauge how I currently see my leadership abilities and where I want them to be.Stephen Covey addresses all aspects of one?s life. He includes advice on improving personal relationships, spiritual views and professional advancement. He describes a great leader as knowing their purpose and then inspiring others to find theirs. It is only then that you have become a truly successful leader that is on the journey towards personal and organizational excellence. This book is on the edge of new organizational theories. I would like to see an organization that has incorporated many of these principles and techniques. I am a strong believer that the overall mentality of the corporate world needs to change.I find Stephen Covey to be both an educator and spiritual inspiration.
Resumos Relacionados
- The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People
- The 8th Habit
- The 7 Habits Of The Highly Effective People
- The 7 Habits Of The Highly Effective People
- The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People
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