First complete this survey
Second, review these Three PowerPoints (I broke the presentation into 3 parts so that the file does not become too large):
Third – Assess yourself — Are You A Principle Centered Leader?
In chapter 1 of Principle-Centered Leadership (Covey, 1991), Covey lists the following characteristics of principle-centered leaders. They strive to live out the Seven Habits: Be Proactive, Begin with the End in Mind, Put First things First, Think Win-Win, Seek first to Understand than be Understood, Synergize, and Sharpen the Saw.
Principle Centered Leadership is practiced from the inside-out on four levels: Personal (relationship with self), Interpersonal (relationship with others), managerial (responsibility to get things done with others), organizational (responsibility to recruit, train, compensate a team, create strategies, structure and systems to accomplish goals).
As per Seven Habits they live by the compass not the clock. Correct Principles are like a compass: they are always pointing the way. Principles are self-evident, self-validating natural laws, such as the Law of the Harvest.
- PCLs are continually learning. They learn from experience, they read, seek training, take classes, listen, and learn both through their ears and eyes. (Proverbs 16:16).
- PCLs are service-oriented. They "yoke up" every morning and put on the harness of service. (Matthew 20:26-27)
- PCLs radiate positive energy. They are cheerful, pleasant, happy. Their attitudes are optimistic, positive, upbeat, enthusiastic, hopeful, believing. (Galatians 5:22-23)
- PCLs believe in other people. They are not naive, but they do not overreact to the negative behaviors of others, rather they realize the unseen potential of every human. (Colossians 3:13-14).
- PCLs lead balanced lives. They feel their own worth without having to brag, they think in terms of continuums not all-or-nothing, their actions and attitudes are proportionate to the situation. (I Corinthians 9:25,Proverbs 25:16, 28)
- PCLs see life as an adventure. They are like courageous explorers going on an expedition into unchartered territories and their security lies in they initiative, resourcefulness, creativity, willpower, and courage. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
- PCLs are synergistic. They build on their strengths and strive to complement their weaknesses with the strengths of others. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
- PCLs exercise for self-renewal. As per the Seventh Habit-Sharpen the Saw, PCLs renew body, mind, social, and spirit. (Romans 12:1-2, I Corinthians 6:15a).
Reference: Covey, S.R. (1991). Principle Centered Leadership. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster.
(Scripture references provided by Dr Percy)
1. Which of these characteristics do you consistently demonstrate?
2. Which of these are a struggle for you?
3. What action steps can you take to improve in these areas?
4. What step will you take this week?
Fourth, assess yourself on how well you live the Seven Habits? Which habit is a struggle for you and which habit do you feel most confident about? (You should complete the Seven Habits survey included below).
Seven Habits Inventory
Read each statement and, using your best judgment, circle the number that indicates how well you perform in the following categories.
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I show kindness and consideration toward others |
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I keep promises and honor commitments |
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I do not speak negatively of others when they are not present |
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I am able to maintain an appropriate balance among the various aspects of my life—work, family, friends, etc. |
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When working on a task, I also keep in mind the concerns and needs of those I am working for |
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I work hard at the things I do, but not in a manner that causes burnout |
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I am in control of my life |
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I focus my efforts on the things I can do something about rather than on the things beyond my control |
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I take responsibility for my moods and actions rather than blame others and circumstances |
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I know what I want to accomplish in life |
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I organize and prepare in a way that reduces having to work in a crisis mode |
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I begin each week with a clear plan of what I desire to accomplish |
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I am disciplined in carrying out plans (avoiding procrastination, time wasters, and so forth) |
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I do not allow the truly important activities of my life to get lost in the busy activity of my days |
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The things that I do every day are meaningful and contribute to my overall goals in life |
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I care about the success of others as well as my own |
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I cooperate with others |
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When solving conflicts, I strive to find solutions that benefit all |
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I am sensitive to the feelings of others |
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I seek to understand the viewpoints of others |
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When listening, I try to see things from the other person’s point of view, not just my own |
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I value and seek out the insights of others |
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I am creative in searching for new and better ideas and solutions |
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I encourage others to express their opinions |
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I care for my physical health and well-being |
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I strive to build and improve relationships with others |
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I take time to find meaning and enjoyment in life |
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CHARTING YOUR SEVEN HABITS EFFECTIVENESS
Total your points for each category in the Category Totals column. There are nine categories: the first two are the foundational principles for the Seven Habits, and the last seven are the Seven Habits. After you have computed your category totals, mark each score in the grid below and graph your totals.
The higher your score, the more closely you are aligned with the Seven Habits principles. Where your score is lower than you would like, refer to the corresponding chapters in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People book or video to better understand how to increase your effectiveness in those habits.
Category Totals
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