The 7 Habits Foundational Principles (abridged)

The 7 Habits Foundational Principles by Stephen R. Covey is a program based off of his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. With this program you will learn the basics of each principle and how to integrate them into your everyday life to solve personal and professional problems. Portions of this audiobook were recorded in front of a live audience.

An introduction to the lessons and principles that you’ll hear in this series. Module 1 of 20.

A brief overview of the essential habits for effectiveness in your personal and professional relationships. Keep listening to hear these life-changing habits that you can start practicing today. Module 2 of 20.

Habits possess the power to shape our character. Stephen R. Covey offers perspective on how to approach the hard work necessary to change your habits. Module 3 of 20.

Character ethic is rooted in fidelity, courage, compassion, contribution, responsibility and justice. Learn the difference between adopting these traits and appearing to adopt these traits as part of a personality ethic. Module 4 of 20.

Character alone cannot build trustworthiness. This lesson explains that to affect real change in yourself and others, you must also be competent. Module 5 of 20.

Interdependence is the key to reaching goals on a large and small scale. Stephen R. Covey explains how we can accomplish everything we want, together. Module 6 of 20.

Leading others begins with leading yourself to personal victories. Keep listening to hear how you can create effectiveness by gaining independence. Module 7 of 20.

The best way to truly learn something is to teach it. In the three-person teaching model, passive learning gives way to active teaching and authentic communication, increasing the likelihood of applying lessons in the future. Module 8 of 20.

Principles are natural laws, independent of our current belief systems. In this talk, learn the important distinction between living a principle-centered life and a value-centered life. Module 9 of 20.

Principles are universal and constant, while social or popular values may shift. Stephen R. Covey offers specific examples of natural systems, such as the human body, that are governed by principles out of our control. Module 10 of 20.

Paradigms are formed in our minds based on personal experience and perception. Hear in this lecture why paradigms are like maps, and therefore only as useful as they are accurate. Module 11 of 20.

Paradigms are more powerful than behavior or attitude. Stephen R. Covey expands on examples of paradigms to illustrate the dangers of making assumptions your reality. Module 12 of 20.

By ignoring the potential for change and improvement, we sell ourselves and others short. Listen to the story of a mother whose paradigm of her daughter lacks the imagination to see a brighter future. Module 13 of 20.

Perceptions can be limited by social mirrors and projections, resulting in a self-fulfilling prophecy. Hear a personal story from Stephen R. Covey about dealing with his son, and how his perspective changed by evaluating his own motivations. Module 14 of 20.

Effectiveness cannot be defined purely by success. A more in-depth explanation is offered, which spotlights a sustained balance for both achievement and production. Module 15 of 20.

Neglecting relationships, whether personal or professional, can have devastating consequences. Hear the story of a once-heralded clam chowder recipe that violated customers’ trust and never truly recovered. Module 16 of 20.

An emotional bank account operates in a similar fashion to a financial bank account. As explained in detail, when trust is overdrawn or accrued it directly affects relationships. Module 17 of 20.

The currencies for an emotional bank account include kindness, promises, and expectations. As Stephen R. Covey teaches, deposits and withdraws in your emotional bank account are based on how you manage these currencies. Module 18 of 20.

Being loyal to the absent requires speaking to someone instead of about them. Keep listening to learn the dangers of forging relationships based on shared criticism, and the duplicity that often follows. Module 19 of 20.