- The Seven Habits become the basis of a person’s character, and empower people to effectively solve problems, maximize opportunities, and continually learn and integrate other principles in an upward spiral of growth.
- They are also habits of effectiveness because they are based on a paradigm of effectiveness that is in harmony with a natural law, which Covey calls the “P/PC Balance”. True effectiveness is a function of two things: what is produced (your output or the things you create) and the producing asset or capacity to produce (your mind and body). Effectiveness lies in the balance – or what Covey calls the P/PC Balance TM. P stands for production of desired results and PC stands for production capability, the ability or asset that produces the desired results.
Habits 1, 2, and 3 will increase your self-respect and self-discipline. They will help you become more independent and take responsibility for your current situation. They will help you focus on your highest priorities and values and plan how to best lead your life. These habits all focus on yourself and becoming a better version of yourself.
Habits 4, 5, and 6 will help you become more capable of building rich, enduring, highly productive relationships with other people. Stephen Covey introduces a phrase called your Emotional Bank Account. This is a powerful metaphor that effectively describes relationships.
Habit 7 is focused on continuous growth and improvement and embodies all the other habits.
Covey explained how all the habits are interrelated. The more proactive you are (Habit 1), the more effectively you can exercise personal leadership (Habit 2) and management (Habit 3) in your life. The more effectively you manage your life (Habit 3), the more activities you can do to renew yourself (Habit 7). The more you seek first to understand (Habit 5), the more effectively you can go for synergetic win-win solutions (Habits 4 and 6). The more you improve in any of the habits that lead to independence (Habits 1, 2, and 3), the more effective you will be in interdependent situations (Habits 4, 5, and 6).