Stephen Covey Wellness Coach

by Kathy McCabe, Special to AOL Coaches

How does Dr. Stephen Covey, author of the revolutionary book, 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,' justify adding an 8th habit to his mix? Covey says our culture has notably changed since 'The 7 Habits' was first published in 1989. Now it is more competitive and faster paced. While the 7 Habits provide a timeless framework and principles for becoming effective in work and in everyday life, in this new era, Covey notes that being effective is no longer optional. Instead, individuals and organizations must be effective while striving for greatest and personal significance.

In 'The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness,' Covey lays out a roadmap for finding greatness through finding your own voice and inspiring others to find theirs. He finds this to be the central challenge of what he dubs the "New Knowledge Worker Age." Covey defines "voice" as "the higher reaches of human genius and motivation" and "unique personal significance."

For this author, it seems, there can be no greater calling than choosing (leadership is a choice) to expand one’s influence by helping others to find their own voices, while in turn increasing one’s own freedom and power of choice. Covey details techniques to develop voice including establishing trust, finding third alternatives (not a compromise between my way and your way, but an altogether better way) and developing a shared vision.

Demonstrating just how much the world has changed in the last 16 years, Covey includes a DVD with the book. The DVD contains a short film linked to each chapter of the book. While Covey provides some written commentary on the films at the beginning and end of each chapter, the films are meant to be a bonus and aren’t pivotal to understanding Covey’s points.

It also isn’t necessary to have read 'The 7 Habits' in order to enjoy Covey’s latest book as he provides a summary of those ideas. While 'The 8th Habit' can be a bit tedious to get through and definitely not written to be read in one sitting, making it to the end of the book provides a rich reward as Covey succinctly summarizes his concepts in the last few chapters. As the author notes, he strives to teach one basic paradigm -- "people are whole people -- body, mind, heart and spirit."

1. Buy 'The 8th Habit'
2. NEW: Buy 'Everyday Greatness'