2017 is officially underway. As we refresh and recommit to our goals, perhaps it is appropriate to consider what makes a person truly effective. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, has greatly influenced many. In this book, Covey is clear that our effectiveness does not come from what we do, but rather who we are as people.
THE SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE
Be Proactive - This has been a "game-changer" for me. Being proactive is the opposite of being reactive. It is taking responsibility for your destiny and seeking to influence intentionally.
Begin with End in Mind - In order to be effective, your vision, mission, and goals must become clear to you. You must believe God has called you to make a difference.
Put First Things First - If we don't set our priorities, the world will do it for us. Covey himself states, "The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities."
Think Win-Win - Always look for agreements and relationships that are mutually beneficial. Usually, when there is a winner, there is also a loser, and lose-lose relationships don't last long. However, win-win means victory for everyone involved.
Seek to Understand, Then be Understood - Great leaders are great listeners. One of the most difficult disciplines is to let others finish their thoughts before speaking our own.
Synergize - When working together, two horses pulling a carriage don't pull twice the weight of one horse, but three or more times the weight. Something special happens when we work towards the same goals. Our efforts are multiplied and we accomplish much more than the sum of our own workings.
Sharpen the Saw - When we "sharpen our saw," we seek to grow in every one of the six previous habits, continuing to grow and mature throughout the course of our lives. When we stop learning, we stop growing, and that is when we will start dying.
THE SEVEN HABITS AND THE EIGHT CORE VALUES
Did you notice how each of these habits is included in one or more of the ILI Eight Core Values? They are taught in our conferences and lived by our leaders. If you haven't attended an ILI conference, maybe 2017 is the time for you to begin embracing the Eight Core Values. Find a conference near you to learn more.