Leadership

Introduction

The summary of Stephen R. Covey’s best-selling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (2004), emphasizes the importance of the seven habits and the stages that inspire leaders to become more effective. The key to becoming highly effective is acknowledging that change begins with oneself, and understanding that effectiveness is centered on principles and character (Covey, 2004). Covey believes that our character is a collection of our habits, and habits have a powerful role in our lives (Covey, 2004). Covey, quoted in Bretta Wolff’s article “Leadership Is Fashionable Again,” presents the approach to solving personal and professional problems of becoming a “principle-centered leader” (Wolff, 2005, p. 24).

The Three Most Important Concepts

Leaders are essential to organizational growth and success. The habits they possess are equally important. Seven habits characteristic of effective leadership include: proactive behavior, vision of the end result, established priorities, pursuit of mutually affirming solutions, effective listening, group harmony, and a healthy work life balance (Covey, 2004). In order to become effective, leaders should adopt these seven habits. Approaches to leadership have changed over time; however the core to leadership and management is effectiveness (Wolff, 2005, p. 24).

Being proactive, the first of seven habits presented (Covey, 2004), is ineffective without the influence of Christ. Christ presents the concept of readiness multiple times throughout the New Testament. 1 Peter 1:13 (English Standard Version) can be applied to proactive behavior within the workplace; “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Establishing priorities and developing the strategic plan (Satterlee, 2009, p. 75) are elements of the third habit of highly effective people. These skills enable project completion utilizing...