The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: By Stephen R. Covey. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1989

Abstract

lead to effective leadership. As an introduction, Covey describes the concept of approaching life from the inside out. His premise is that within the individual are changing principles on which a character ethic is based. Among these are integrity, humility, fidelity, courage, and justice-all of which influence habit, &dquo;the intersection of knowledge, skill, and desire.&dquo; He concludes the introductory section with a brief overview of the seven habits and an explanation of the two major organizing concepts: private victory and public victory. The process of achieving selfawareness and increased independence defines the former, while the latter is defined as increasingly moving toward the notion of interdependence. Those habits that comprise the elements of private victory are explained in the second part of the book. Leaders are encouraged to be active (habit 1) in analyzing their Circle of Influence (things over which they have control) and their Circle of Concern (things beyond their control). The development of a personal mission statement based on effective principles is the essence of beginning with the end in mind (habit 2). The last element of private victory is putting first things first (habit 3). Management is seen to follow leadership as leaders organize around priorities and seek effectiveness with people and efficiency with things. Part III is concerned with public victory, the transformation from