Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Provides evidence that the 7 Habits work
This is clearly a secondary work. It is more in the nature of evidence that the principles taught in Seven Habits of Highly Effective People work.Putting the Seven Habits to work requires commitment and patience. In my personal life, I have always had to work very hard to choose my response, instead of just snapping at the other person if they did not agree with me. I find many of these stories interesting. However I also find that this book is not essential to following the Seven Habits. The best use of this book is if you are skeptical about the Seven Habits, then you can read it so that you get proof it works. Then you can go to the main book. This said, I believe that Stephen Covey must get off the Seven Habits bandwagon. His first work was a masterpiece that I continue to read and re-read. Subsequent derivative works have not achieved the greatness of the first, and he is in real risk of diluting the Seven Habits franchise if he goes on and on. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is a completed work. The brilliant thinking and concepts that produced it do not need a book every year to keep them going. I also believe that the observance of the Seven Habits are a necessary condition for true success but not a sufficient condition. It would be enlightening to see Dr. Covey explore other essential areas of improvement in self, family and business without necessarily being locked in to the Seven Habits. I want to know if there are habits eight, nine and ten. I suspect there are, though I don't know what they are. It's time for a paradigm shift, Dr. Covey.
Rating:  - It's not enough to know, you must also do...
I like this book. It is very inspiritional. It's sort of like Chicken Soup for the Soul or like an Millionaire Next Door for inspirition and attitude. It tells stories of people who have done it---used the 7 Habits and gotten incredible results.1 star reviewers don't like it because it takes all of the wind out of their claims against Covey and his philosophy.I particularly enjoyed the story on page 57, "I can choose my life." Very, very powerful.7 Habits should be your first book to read. You can then add this one either as a companion to while reading 7 Habits or after you get through the 7 Habits.I also recommend Principle Centered Leadership.
Rating: - Valuable Companion to the 7 Habits
If "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is the theory, then this book is the application thereof. Covey sometimes feared that concrete examples might confuse readers about the habits, believing that a particular ACTION was confused for the PRINCIPLE or habit. I do not think that this is the case if a person reads the former book before tackling "The Courage to Change." The book illustrates the 7 habits in several different situations ranging from family to business and to social organizations. Some of the stories might bring readers to tears - some deal with deep tragedy. Others illustrate the courage to change long-held beliefs when reality said that those beliefs were no longer valid for the changing times and circumstances. Most of the stories are only a few pages long and can be read in one sitting. In some cases, several can be read in one sitting.This is a must read for students of Covey.
|
