Stephen Covey, the author of the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and other books, passed away last week.  I, Theresa, would like to take a few minutes to share the “best” of Stephen Covey, from my perspective.

A day doesn’t go by when I don’t use one of his catchy little phrases when working with CEOs, executives, professionals and even my children. When in a planning session, I might say “let’s begin with the end in mind” or when coaching a busy executive “first things first” or when training sales professionals “seek first to understand, then to be understood.”  In my own life, struggling with competing agendas and the many hats I wear, I live by the principle of “first things first” and daily have to ask myself “who’s agenda am I working right now?” reminding myself of the urgent/important model. My life journey could be described as “sharpening the saw” as that so aptly describes how I live my life … always seeking to improve, grow and develop and that is what I believe my life work is about – helping others do the same.

There has been a lot written about Stephen Covey over the last week.  We learned that he was 79, had nine children and 52 grandchildren; grew a small company into a multi-national, successful company; was a gifted writer who tapped into and inspired  “every person’s” best and highest self; and lived a healthy life up until the end.  Who doesn’t wish for this kind of legacy?  We all can have it … start today focused on “first things first” and you’ll be on your way!

P.S. – A close friend, Jay Abrahams, of Stephen Covey’s wrote a powerful piece on his dear friend and has shared three free interviews with him.  He’s asked that we share them with anyone who might be interested, so enjoy and feel free to pass along to your friends, family and colleagues.