Stephen Covey
Full Name and Common Aliases
Stephen Richards Covey, commonly known as Stephen Covey, was a renowned author, educator, and speaker whose work has left a lasting impact on personal development and leadership.
Birth and Death Dates
Stephen Covey was born on October 24, 1932, and passed away on July 16, 2012.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Stephen Covey was an American by nationality. He was a multifaceted professional, known primarily as an author, educator, and motivational speaker. His work in the fields of leadership and personal development has influenced millions worldwide.
Early Life and Background
Stephen Covey was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, into a family that valued education and personal growth. He was raised in a nurturing environment that emphasized the importance of character and integrity. Covey's early life was marked by a strong commitment to his faith and community, which would later become central themes in his work. He attended the University of Utah, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Covey furthered his education by obtaining an MBA from Harvard University and a Doctor of Religious Education (DRE) from Brigham Young University, where he also served as a professor.
Major Accomplishments
Stephen Covey's most significant accomplishment was the publication of his groundbreaking book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," in 1989. This book became an international bestseller, selling over 25 million copies in 40 languages worldwide. It has been recognized as one of the most influential business books of the 20th century. Covey's work extended beyond writing; he founded Covey Leadership Center, which later merged with Franklin Quest to form FranklinCovey Co., a global professional services firm specializing in performance improvement.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," Stephen Covey authored several other influential books, including "First Things First," "Principle-Centered Leadership," and "The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness." These works expanded on his philosophy of personal and organizational effectiveness, emphasizing principles such as integrity, fairness, and human dignity. Covey's teachings were not limited to books; he was a sought-after speaker and consultant, delivering keynote addresses and workshops to organizations around the world.
Impact and Legacy
Stephen Covey's impact on the fields of personal development and leadership is profound and enduring. His principles-based approach to effectiveness has been adopted by individuals and organizations seeking to improve their performance and achieve sustainable success. Covey's legacy is evident in the continued popularity of his books and the ongoing influence of FranklinCovey Co., which provides training and consulting services to clients globally. His teachings have inspired countless leaders to adopt a more holistic and ethical approach to management and personal growth.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Stephen Covey is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to distill complex ideas into simple, actionable principles that resonate with people from all walks of life. His emphasis on character development, proactive behavior, and the importance of aligning actions with values has made his quotes timeless and universally applicable. Covey's insights into human behavior and leadership continue to inspire individuals to strive for excellence and lead lives of purpose and integrity. His work remains a cornerstone in the fields of personal development and leadership, ensuring that his wisdom will be passed down to future generations.
Quotes by Stephen Covey
Stephen Covey's insights on:
Just as we develop our physical muscles through overcoming opposition-- such as lifting weights--we develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and adversity.
Network marketing has come of age. It's undeniable that it has become a way to entrepreneurship and independence for millions of people.
The most important ingredient we put into any relationship is not what we say or what we do, but what we are.
Each of us tends to think we see things as they are, that we are objective. But this is not the case. We see the world, not as it is, but as we are - or, as we are conditioned to see it.
Unless you're continually improving your skills, you're quickly becoming irrelevant.
We are not a product of what has happened to us in our past. We have the power of choice.
Whatever is at the center of our life will be the source of our security, guidance, wisdom, and power.
If the ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step we take just gets us to the wrong place faster.
You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage - pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically - to say 'no' to other things. And the way to do that is by having a bigger 'yes' burning inside.