Alexandra Watson Meets Stephen Covey

This is a glorious October Day and I'm about to meet one of the most highly regarded contemporary authors, Stephen R Covey. His huge best seller, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has sold over 10 million copies in 28 languages ​​and seventy countries, making it an international authority on leadership. His second book, including the principle of focused leadership and first things first are two of the best-selling business books in the last decade. Among the many commendations he received during the year, Times Magazine he was recognized as one of twenty-five most influential Americans.

Now his next literary bid on 8 habit released November 2004. Theme of the new habit is to find their voice and help others find their. I could not agree more that such a strong and good luck-educing practice!

Covey's new book comes in a deeply different times in history, but when The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People was originally published. challenges and complexity we face in our personal lives and relationships, our families, our professions and our organizations are different orders of magnitude. We are struggling to feel engaged, fulfilled, and passionate in all areas of our lives. For entry into the higher reaches of human genius and motivation to find what Stephen calls our voice - requires new thinking, new skill-set, a new tool set ... new habit. Covey's 8th habit is the way to finding that voice and a passion.

"I have not felt such passion, such conviction or excitement since my work on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, " says Stephen. "I believe the reason the answer to new ideas in the 8th habit was so strong that people feel a void in their lives. This same emptiness is felt in organizations around the world, most of which are struggling to achieve their top priorities. People do not feel their unique talents are tapped or appreciated -. Bottom line there is a profound yearning in both people and organizations

to find their true "voice ", the question of how to make a difference, to find greatness. What Covey means "our voice"? Our vote is to find out who we are and what we are good. If you know these two things that we can excel in life and feel happy and fulfilled. Finding your voice is not only about his work life. it is as important in your private life too. Imagine the difference to your relationship with your family and friends if you feel more at peace with himself and his life. Again, I agree with Stephen, and as a coach I too urge everyone to find out who they are and what want to (not) with their lives and it is equally true at home as it is at work.

"People who have found their voice does not require management, " says Covey. I agree. Think about the time when you are 100% involved in something that you did. You do not need to watch over you, because they thoroughly enjoy what you're doing. It feels natural, it felt right and it felt good. Covey explained that finding our voice is the key for 21 century, and I'm inclined to believe him. This type of paradigm shift is exactly what we need to do to create the fulfillment of any of the many roles we play in life as well as women. So, how to find your voice? Stephen advises, "Ask not what I like to do, what I need to do well what to do I stand, what my conscience tell me if you can answer these four, you can find your voice?". He then makes the following point: "Do not confuse their consciences with the ego Most of us are driven by our ego If you use your voice, what you do will show any results ..." His message was to "know yourself. " Know yourself enough to decipher between the conscience, or the true inner voice, in relation to your ego.

Stephen's family is a priority in life and so when you hear about their achievements and believe that he has nine children and forty-two grandchildren (the 43rd by the way), I tend to wonder how on earth he manages. "It's all about choice." Stephen answers. "If you get up early and exercise, and promise to myself and to fill out, then the next day you'll make more promises and meet and so on. Soon you will have achieved very little !"

When asked how the situation so full of life Stephen quips, "Most people spend half your time doing things that are urgent but not important to the average father in the United States spends more than an hour a week with their children. that then spend an average of four hours a day in front of the TV. I think this is a massive cop out and one in which fathers, and no doubt children will live to complain. Nobody on his deathbed ever wishes they spent more time in office . I spend most of their time doing things that are important ."

Stephen ends with the words: "I got used to talk about principle, all based, did not invent them, and I can put them under any circumstance and situation in the world with the changes and uncertainties we need these constants .. Greatness comes from your moral authority and humility. seek first to understand then to be understood. Learn to listen, be open and humble enough to learn what you need to know and want. institutionalize these principles and take responsibility in your own circle of influence. Create a family mission statement and I think through what makes life worth living for you. What is missing? help others reach their potential size, and not in the middle of things like wealth, but with what they contribute in life. Life is short, so live, love , learn and leave a legacy ."

meeting he was an absolute pleasure and I will remember and accept his message in its entirety. Thank you Stephen for this experience!