THE 8TH HABIT From Effectiveness to Greatness By Stephen R. Covey Publisher: Free Press Price: $26.00/hardcover ISBN: 684-84665-9 "Covey's work has influenced millions upon millions of people worldwide. In this book, he takes a huge conceptual leap and introduces us to ideas and practices that will have a profound impact on all our lives. THE 8TH HABIT is a marvelous read, a triumph of the spirit, and, in my view, Covey's most important work." - Warren Bennis, Distinguished Professor of Management, USC, author, On Becoming a Leader, and co-author, Geeks and Geezers: How Era, Values, and Defining Moments Shape Leaders "THE 8TH HABIT is a true masterpiece, a must-read. These principles of personal and organizational leadership, when lived, unleash human genius and inspire deep commitment and magnificent levels of service and satisfaction." - Horst Schulze, former President and COO of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company THE 8TH HABIT, BY BESTSELLING AUTHOR STEPHEN R. COVEY, IS THE LONG AWAITED SEQUEL TO THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE Stephen R. Covey, The Leading Authority on Empowerment, Shows People How To Tap Their Greatest Strengths And Inspire Others To Do The Same Stephen R. Covey is known the world over as a leading authority on empowerment. He has worked, not only with CEOs, but also with political leaders and heads of state, as well as with managers and employees at all levels. Thousands of organizations - including many of the Fortune 500 - have adopted his innovative leadership and management techniques, while countless individuals have integrated his ideas into their personal lives. Now, in addition to a special 15th anniversary edition of THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE, which has sold an astounding 15 million copies and is also the bestselling audio book of all time, Stephen Covey returns with its long-awaited follow-up - THE 8TH HABIT: From Effectiveness to Greatness (Free Press, November 9, 2004; $26). THE 8TH HABIT provides readers with informed answers to the profound changes people are experiencing in their professional and personal lives. Covey offers a new leadership paradigm that differs from those of the past. He offers readers a pattern for developing a mindset and skill-set that will help readers to find their own voice by tapping into their greatest strengths, fulfill their true purpose in life and at work, and help them to inspire others to do the same. "My experience with THE 8TH HABIT," explains Covey "is this: I've not felt such passion, such conviction or excitement since my work on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I believe the reason people around the world are responding so strongly and positively to the new ideas in THE 8TH HABIT is that they feel a void in their lives. This same emptiness is felt in organizations across the world, most of which struggle to achieve their top priorities. Bottom line: there is a profound yearning in both people and organizations to find their true 'voice,' to matter, to make a difference, to find greatness." Drawing on sources as diverse as the Declaration of Independence, Greek philosophy, and leadership examples such as Mahatma Gandhi, THE 8TH HABIT offers key principles that readers can use in implementing lasting workplace and personal change. Moreover, it is the first interactive book written by a leadership expert. The book's companion DVD includes sixteen short inspirational films that Covey uses in training sessions further bring the potency of Covey's message to life. Viewing the films, in conjunction with reading the book, provides a holistic learning experience that will take a reader's understanding to a new level. THE 8TH HABIT offers Covey's powerful insights into - and solutions to - the enormous challenges we face. His messages include: A New Leadership Model. Today's business models were developed during the Industrial Age. But, we are now living and working in the Information/Knowledge-Worker Age. Nonetheless, managers continue to treat employees like interchangeable machines on an assembly line. But, in the Information Age, people's greatest contribution is their ability to think, In order to truly contribute, they must be respected, supported, and thus empowered. Covey makes a clear case of a significant potential for a dramatic increase in productivity. Leadership is a Choice, Not a Position. Being a leader isn't about telling people what to do - it's about being accepted as a leader by people because they trust you and want to work with you. For Covey, the essence of being a leader is "Find Your Voice and Inspire Others to Find Theirs." In fact, this is his definition of The 8th Habit. Leadership by Principle. Leadership influence is governed by fundamental principles. It's not a question of one's title or formal position, but instead is about making the choice to live by certain principles and thereby influence others at work - from co-workers to employees to bosses - and at home. Anyone can become a true leader by making a commitment to affirm the worth and potential of others. Covey's broad understanding of business, history, global social factors, and psychology makes THE 8TH HABIT a profound leadership manual for personal change. For the millions of people who have read THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE - as well as those for whom Covey's work is new - it is an invaluable handbook for finding your voice and inspiring others to find theirs. # # # ABOUT THE AUTHOR Stephen R. Covey is an internationally respected leadership authority, family expert, teacher, and organizational advisor, founder of the former Covey Leadership Center, and co founder and vice chairman of FranklinCovey Co. He has made teaching Principle-Centered Leadership his life's work. Dr. Covey is the author of several acclaimed books and lives with his wife and children in the Rocky Mountains of Utah.
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