-
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
- Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
- Narrated by: Stephen R. Covey
- Length: 13 hrs and 4 mins
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy for $28.30
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
How to Win Friends & Influence People
- By: Dale Carnegie
- Narrated by: Andrew MacMillan
- Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
You can go after the job you want...and get it! You can take the job you have...and improve it! You can take any situation you're in...and make it work for you!
-
-
This is well worth listening too! Main points are.
- By Ralph on 10-21-11
By: Dale Carnegie
-
Atomic Habits
- An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
- By: James Clear
- Narrated by: James Clear
- Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving - every day. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. If you're having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn't you. The problem is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don't want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change.
-
-
Author went overboard hawking his site
- By CHughes on 06-25-19
By: James Clear
-
Think and Grow Rich
- By: Napoleon Hill
- Narrated by: Erik Synnestvedt
- Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Think and Grow Rich is the number-one inspirational and motivational classic for individuals who are interested in furthering their lives and reaching their goals by learning from important figures in history. The text read in this audiobook is the original 1937 edition written by Napoleon Hill and inspired by Andrew Carnegie - and while it has often been reproduced, no updated version has ever been able to compete with the original.
-
-
Must Read!
- By rosemarypotatoes on 07-04-20
By: Napoleon Hill
-
How to Talk to Anyone
- 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships
- By: Leil Lowndes
- Narrated by: Joyce Bean, Leil Lowndes
- Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What is that magic quality that makes some people instantly loved and respected? Everyone wants to be their friend (or, if single, their lover!) In business, they rise swiftly to the top of the corporate ladder. What is their "Midas touch?"
-
-
Too self important
- By TheTechDoc on 03-04-16
By: Leil Lowndes
-
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
- A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life
- By: Mark Manson
- Narrated by: Roger Wayne
- Length: 5 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For decades we've been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy, rich life. "F*ck positivity," Mark Manson says. "Let's be honest, shit is f*cked, and we have to live with it." In his wildly popular Internet blog, Manson doesn't sugarcoat or equivocate. He tells it like it is - a dose of raw, refreshing, honest truth that is sorely lacking today. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck is his antidote to the coddling, let's-all-feel-good mind-set that has infected modern society and spoiled a generation, rewarding them with gold medals just for showing up.
-
-
I can't finish this
- By Michele Correia on 02-26-20
By: Mark Manson
-
Unfu*k Yourself
- Get Out of Your Head and into Your Life
- By: Gary John Bishop
- Narrated by: Gary John Bishop
- Length: 3 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Are you tired of feeling f*cked up? If you are, Gary John Bishop has the answer. In this straightforward handbook, he gives you the tools and advice you need to demolish the slag weighing you down and become the truly unf--ked version of yourself. "Wake up to the miracle you are," he directs. "Here's what you've forgotten: You're a f--king miracle of being." It isn't other people that are standing in your way; it isn't even your circumstances that are blocking your ability to thrive. It's yourself and the negative self-talk you keep telling yourself.
-
-
Bunch of rambling. Cliffsnotes version please
- By P. Henderson on 11-28-19
By: Gary John Bishop
-
How to Win Friends & Influence People
- By: Dale Carnegie
- Narrated by: Andrew MacMillan
- Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
You can go after the job you want...and get it! You can take the job you have...and improve it! You can take any situation you're in...and make it work for you!
-
-
This is well worth listening too! Main points are.
- By Ralph on 10-21-11
By: Dale Carnegie
-
Atomic Habits
- An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
- By: James Clear
- Narrated by: James Clear
- Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving - every day. James Clear, one of the world's leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. If you're having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn't you. The problem is your system. Bad habits repeat themselves again and again not because you don't want to change, but because you have the wrong system for change.
-
-
Author went overboard hawking his site
- By CHughes on 06-25-19
By: James Clear
-
Think and Grow Rich
- By: Napoleon Hill
- Narrated by: Erik Synnestvedt
- Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Think and Grow Rich is the number-one inspirational and motivational classic for individuals who are interested in furthering their lives and reaching their goals by learning from important figures in history. The text read in this audiobook is the original 1937 edition written by Napoleon Hill and inspired by Andrew Carnegie - and while it has often been reproduced, no updated version has ever been able to compete with the original.
-
-
Must Read!
- By rosemarypotatoes on 07-04-20
By: Napoleon Hill
-
How to Talk to Anyone
- 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships
- By: Leil Lowndes
- Narrated by: Joyce Bean, Leil Lowndes
- Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What is that magic quality that makes some people instantly loved and respected? Everyone wants to be their friend (or, if single, their lover!) In business, they rise swiftly to the top of the corporate ladder. What is their "Midas touch?"
-
-
Too self important
- By TheTechDoc on 03-04-16
By: Leil Lowndes
-
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
- A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life
- By: Mark Manson
- Narrated by: Roger Wayne
- Length: 5 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For decades we've been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy, rich life. "F*ck positivity," Mark Manson says. "Let's be honest, shit is f*cked, and we have to live with it." In his wildly popular Internet blog, Manson doesn't sugarcoat or equivocate. He tells it like it is - a dose of raw, refreshing, honest truth that is sorely lacking today. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck is his antidote to the coddling, let's-all-feel-good mind-set that has infected modern society and spoiled a generation, rewarding them with gold medals just for showing up.
-
-
I can't finish this
- By Michele Correia on 02-26-20
By: Mark Manson
-
Unfu*k Yourself
- Get Out of Your Head and into Your Life
- By: Gary John Bishop
- Narrated by: Gary John Bishop
- Length: 3 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Are you tired of feeling f*cked up? If you are, Gary John Bishop has the answer. In this straightforward handbook, he gives you the tools and advice you need to demolish the slag weighing you down and become the truly unf--ked version of yourself. "Wake up to the miracle you are," he directs. "Here's what you've forgotten: You're a f--king miracle of being." It isn't other people that are standing in your way; it isn't even your circumstances that are blocking your ability to thrive. It's yourself and the negative self-talk you keep telling yourself.
-
-
Bunch of rambling. Cliffsnotes version please
- By P. Henderson on 11-28-19
By: Gary John Bishop
-
The 5AM Club
- Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life.
- By: Robin Sharma
- Narrated by: Adam Verner
- Length: 11 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Legendary leadership and elite performance expert Robin Sharma introduced The 5am Club concept more than 20 years ago, based on a revolutionary morning routine that has helped his clients maximize their productivity, activate their best health and bulletproof their serenity in this age of overwhelming complexity. Now, in this life-changing guide, handcrafted by the author over a rigorous four-year period, you will discover the early-rising habit that has helped so many accomplish epic results while upgrading their happiness, helpfulness, and feelings of aliveness.
-
-
Super disappointed
- By Micki Cottam on 09-17-19
By: Robin Sharma
-
Never Split the Difference
- Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It
- By: Chris Voss
- Narrated by: Michael Kramer
- Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After a stint policing the rough streets of Kansas City, Missouri, Chris Voss joined the FBI, where his career as a hostage negotiator brought him face-to-face with a range of criminals, including bank robbers and terrorists. Reaching the pinnacle of his profession, he became the FBI's lead international kidnapping negotiator. Never Split the Difference takes you inside the world of high-stakes negotiations and into Voss' head.
-
-
Should come with warning label
- By Brad on 07-14-19
By: Chris Voss
-
The 8th Habit
- From Effectiveness to Greatness
- By: Stephen R. Covey
- Narrated by: Stephen R. Covey
- Length: 14 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The 8th Habit is the answer to the soul's yearning for greatness, the organization's imperative for significance and superior results, and humanity's search for its "voice". Profound, compelling, and stunningly timely, this groundbreaking new audiobook of next level thinking gives a clear way to finally tap the limitless value-creation promise of the Knowledge Worker Age.
-
-
Next level understanding!
- By Rhett on 11-16-04
By: Stephen R. Covey
-
12 Rules for Life
- An Antidote to Chaos
- By: Jordan B. Peterson, Norman Doidge MD - foreword
- Narrated by: Jordan B. Peterson
- Length: 15 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What does everyone in the modern world need to know? Renowned psychologist Jordan B. Peterson's answer to this most difficult of questions uniquely combines the hard-won truths of ancient tradition with the stunning revelations of cutting-edge scientific research. Humorous, surprising, and informative, Dr. Peterson tells us why skateboarding boys and girls must be left alone, what terrible fate awaits those who criticize too easily, and why you should always pet a cat when you meet one on the street.
-
-
Fairly religious view toward the "Rules for Life"
- By Amazon Customer on 02-09-20
By: Jordan B. Peterson, and others
-
The Power of Habit
- Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business
- By: Charles Duhigg
- Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain
- Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In The Power of Habit, award-winning business reporter Charles Duhigg takes us to the thrilling edge of scientific discoveries that explain why habits exist and how they can be changed. Distilling vast amounts of information into engrossing narratives that take us from the boardrooms of Procter & Gamble to the sidelines of the NFL to the front lines of the civil rights movement, Duhigg presents a whole new understanding of human nature and its potential.
-
-
Nice! A guide on how to change
- By Mehra on 04-22-12
By: Charles Duhigg
-
Rich Dad Poor Dad: 20th Anniversary Edition
- What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
- By: Robert T. Kiyosaki
- Narrated by: Tom Parks
- Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rich Dad Poor Dad is Robert's story of growing up with two dads - his real father and the father of his best friend, his rich dad - and the ways in which both men shaped his thoughts about money and investing. The book explodes the myth that you need to earn a high income to be rich and explains the difference between working for money and having your money work for you. In the 20th anniversary edition of this classic, Robert offers an update on what we’ve seen over the past 20 years related to money, investing, and the global economy.
-
-
Dope book to begin your journey of financial literacy
- By Allery on 06-03-19
-
Dare to Lead
- Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
- By: Brené Brown
- Narrated by: Brené Brown
- Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Brené Brown has spent the past two decades studying the emotions and experiences that give meaning to our lives, and the past seven years working with transformative leaders and teams spanning the globe. She found that leaders in organizations ranging from small entrepreneurial startups and family-owned businesses to nonprofits, civic organizations, and Fortune 50 companies all ask the same question: How do you cultivate braver, more daring leaders, and how do you embed the value of courage in your culture? This audiobook answers this question.
-
-
Brené's Work Has Changed My Life
- By Maximus on 01-12-19
By: Brené Brown
-
Extreme Ownership
- How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win
- By: Jocko Willink, Leif Babin
- Narrated by: Jocko Willink, Leif Babin
- Length: 9 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
An updated edition of the blockbuster best-selling leadership book that took America and the world by storm, two US Navy SEAL officers who led the most highly decorated special operations unit of the Iraq War demonstrate how to apply powerful leadership principles from the battlefield to business and life.
-
-
unbearable to listen too
- By Jeffrey Lewis on 04-26-19
By: Jocko Willink, and others
-
The Psychology of Money
- Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness
- By: Morgan Housel
- Narrated by: Chris Hill
- Length: 5 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Money - investing, personal finance, and business decisions - is typically taught as a math-based field, where data and formulas tell us exactly what to do. But in the real world people don’t make financial decisions on a spreadsheet. They make them at the dinner table, or in a meeting room, where personal history, your own unique view of the world, ego, pride, marketing, and odd incentives are scrambled together. In The Psychology of Money, award-winning author Morgan Housel shares 19 short stories exploring the strange ways people think about money.
-
-
Could be summarized in one sentence
- By Alex on 05-30-21
By: Morgan Housel
-
The 10X Rule
- The Only Difference Between Success and Failure
- By: Grant Cardone
- Narrated by: Grant Cardone
- Length: 7 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Extreme success, by definition, lies beyond the realm of normal action. If you want to achieve extreme success, you can’t operate like everybody else and settle for mediocrity. You need to remove luck and chance from your business equation, and lock in massive success. The 10X Rule shows you how!
-
-
Absolutely terrible advice.
- By Anonymous User on 08-01-19
By: Grant Cardone
-
48 Laws of Power
- By: Robert Greene
- Narrated by: Richard Poe
- Length: 23 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Amoral, cunning, ruthless, and instructive, this piercing work distills 3,000 years of the history of power into 48 well-explicated laws. This bold volume outlines the laws of power in their unvarnished essence, synthesizing the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, Carl von Clausewitz, and other infamous strategists. The 48 Laws of Power will fascinate any listener interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control.
-
-
NOT a Self Help Book
- By El Barto on 05-29-19
By: Robert Greene
-
Can't Hurt Me
- Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds
- By: David Goggins
- Narrated by: David Goggins, Adam Skolnick
- Length: 13 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For David Goggins, childhood was a nightmare - poverty, prejudice, and physical abuse colored his days and haunted his nights. But through self-discipline, mental toughness, and hard work, Goggins transformed himself from a depressed, overweight young man with no future into a US Armed Forces icon and one of the world's top endurance athletes. The only man in history to complete elite training as a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller, he went on to set records in numerous endurance events.
-
-
Not for me
- By kindleuser on 10-05-19
By: David Goggins
Publisher's Summary
New York Times best seller - over 40 million copies sold
The number one Most Influential Business Book of the 20th century
One of the most inspiring and impactful books ever written, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has captivated listeners for nearly three decades. It has transformed the lives of presidents and CEOs, educators and parents - millions of people of all ages and occupations. Now, this 30th anniversary edition of the timeless classic commemorates the wisdom of the 7 Habits with modern additions from Sean Covey.
The 7 Habits have become famous and are integrated into everyday thinking by millions and millions of people. Why? Because they work! With Sean Covey’s added takeaways on how the habits can be used in our modern age, the wisdom of the 7 Habits will be refreshed for a new generation of leaders.
They include:
Habit 1: Be Proactive
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Habit 4: Think Win/Win
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Habit 6: Synergize
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
This beloved classic presents a principle-centered approach for solving both personal and professional problems. With penetrating insights and practical anecdotes, Stephen R. Covey reveals a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity - principles that give us the security to adapt to change and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates.
Critic Reviews
"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is by now one of the best-selling books of all time." (Fortune)
Featured Article: The Best Self-Help Audiobooks for Reaching Your True Potential
It can be hard to find motivation while caught up in the pace of everyday life—or bogged down by anxieties. With these carefully chosen listens, you can put the advice of the world’s leading personal development experts right into your ears the next time you're in need of inspiration. Here we’ve put together a list of power-packed selections that include both newer authors and time-tested listener favorites from veterans of the genre.
More from the same
What listeners say about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Shannon
- 04-04-19
Author not good reader
The reader for this book is the author. He is almost monotoned and says, “new heading” when he comes to a new heading or topic. It’s hard to listen to. He should be using tone and intonation to illustrate a new topic is starting. I’m not even going to listen to the entire book. I can’t stand it anymore. It’s like doing homework. That is not the desired effect of purchasing an audiobook.
132 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- nick j
- 03-09-19
Good audiobook but bad reader
Good audio book but the reader has a whistle to his voice after most words. It reminds me of the old man from family guy highkey.
You can also hear him breathe heavily as he reads so it kinda makes taking the book seriously more difficult.
Sounds like my grandpa reading it with the whistle and heavy breaths
89 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- JZ3
- 02-24-19
It took a few listens but it is well worth it
This was not an easy listen by any means, but after Listening to the Program About 8 times. It has paid out Many times over, In practicing these principles in daily life.
36 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- Scott
- 08-29-10
I don't understand these other reviews
Too religious? Irrational? Morality? What book are these people reading?
Does the author mention religion? Yes. He clearly states that he believes in God. That takes up approximately 2 sentences in the entire book (though he says a little more in the afterword). He also mentions that all enduring religions AS WELL AS all enduring philosophical systems agree on certain principles of human maturity and interaction, and those are the principles he bases the book on. But is The Goose That Laid the Golden Egg religious, or even spiritual? Because that's by far the primary principle in the book.
Now, I guess you could say some parts talk about morality, but not in the sense of "you must love your neighbor" or whatever. And yes, the part about being honest could be seen as morality, but considering the whole point is that honesty is a requirement for having people trust you, it strikes me that many of these negative reviews may be written by people who wanted a quick fix, a set of numerical steps on how to be successful.
But that is not what this book is about. The point of this book is that you will never be content in your life if you are looking for contentment OUTSIDE OF your life. It all has to come from within -- that is, your character, who you are. There's nothing moral about that. There's nothing religious about that. But there's also nothing easy about it. This book is work. Lifelong work. And a lot of people simply are not ready for the implications. The first time I read it I didn't realize how far away from the objective I was. But as I've grown and reread the book, I've discovered how deep it goes.
Of course, none of this is scientific. None of it is rational. That isn't the point. We aren't solving sudoku or splitting atoms. We are dealing with human emotions, and there's nothing rational about emotions. But there can be a solid approach to controlling our lives, and that's what this book is all about.
I just wish they'd hired a professional to read it.
667 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Michael
- 04-23-17
I did not expect to like this book
I really did not expect to like this book. I generally find the self help genre weak and I expected this title to be one more christian based positive thinking book. There is a tiny bit of faith-based stuff in the afterward, but it strives to be any-god-will-do. Mostly it is detailed, ordered, steps to, over time, improve your effectiveness.
The Seven Habits (plus the new eighth one) are:
Be Pro-Active, Set Goals, Prioritize, Think Win-Win, Listen, Synergize, Maintain, & Inspire
This list seems a bit trite, but the author takes care to build each concept upon another. It is more realistic than most self-help books and does not promise a quick fix, or riches, or power, it instead suggests an effective pattern for somewhat steady improvement. This system goes beyond having a "open mindset" to having an "abundance mindset". This does not mean an abundance of stuff, but noticing that many situations are not zero-sum, and that win-win net-positive situations are often, if not almost always, possible.
Of course doing all the things the author suggests is non-trivial, but they are generally good suggestions for making progress once you are committed to change.
The writing and narration is quite clear, folksy, and pleasant, and far from the exuberance of some books in this genre. Some may find the folksiness a bit slow and boring, try speeding it up.
BTW - some reviews mention chapter ordering issues that seem to have been fixed.
336 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- Austin
- 12-19-04
Change your Life
If you really want to change your life for the better, read this book. I would suggest not listening to this in the car, but in the quiet of your home and make notes as you do. You will truly change the way you go through life and the way you understand other people.
136 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- Scott
- 08-09-07
A true guide for life
This is one of my top ten books of all time for lifelong contemplation.
Key themes of Proactivity; Setting and following priorities; Re-scripting according to principles; Win-Win; Listening to understand others; Synergy; and Renewal are fundamental, timeless and universal.
Dr. Covey's approach is unequalled in breadth and depth, while being entirely accessible to any human being. Everything he writes complements everything I've learned in life, while laboring to uproot any weeds that have grown in my internal garden. Having Dr. Covey read the material to me personally... it's the icing on the cake!
I read "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" when it first appeared decades ago; read it a second time five years later; and now, thanks to Audible, I've begun a profound study and contemplation of the material, that would have otherwise been too tedious to handle, given my other time commitments, as well as the fact that, since my work is about 90% in front of the computer, my eyes tire quickly before printed material in my non-work time.
I organize my listening in two ways: listening in the logical, step by step, chapter by chapter method on the one hand, imagining myself attending a 7 Habits seminar or class; and listening for hours at a time as I lie down to rest/relax/sleep on the other. The result is I end up hearing the material over and over, provoking thoughts and contemplations about where I am in life, where I want to go, and what I need to do to get there. I expect the process to last about six months. My goal from the reading: A complete paradigm re-adjustment for life.
This book has my highest recommendation for any person anywhere.
314 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- Anita
- 11-29-04
Excellent Insights
This book provides excellent insights into dealing with others through
introspection. It touches on Victor Frankel and others who provide examples of how to turn adversity into assets. This book is not a traditional self help book, but a companion to guide the listener into ones self.
76 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- alexander.katsman
- 08-19-16
Good material which is destroyed by poor narration.
The material is good, but it's hard to follow because of the poor narrator. I would recommend this book, if it had a different narrator. You really have to listen to get the info. Not a book you can easily absorb.
54 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- J. Bevan
- 01-22-05
The real deal...
Sadly this book is contrarian to a lot of what goes on in our society. Thus I constantly have to "try" to practice these principles. But the trying is worth it. I have used this book as a standard for turning around the cultures of two manufacturing plants after I was hired from the outside. Those turn-arounds were only accomplished because the principles in this book work and because, if patiently applied, they give a management team a common vocabularly for they way they treat each other and their associates. My only function was to act as catalyst and insist that these principles be practiced. After a couple of years, in both cases the stress levels were way down, the morale was way up, and the performance was beyond anything known before and certainly beyond expectation. In my current assisgnment we're saving over $3M per year (450 people) and the roots of that accomplishment are in this book. It's a book to listen to, to absorb, and to go back to over and over again. An annual tuneup by listening to this program, is typical of those who REALLY try to adopt the 7 Habits (and model them). It's tough to be a perfect practitioner. One can only read and try...
169 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Daniel
- 03-02-16
Common-sense wrapped in arcane ideas and language
I have no idea how this book became a classic bestseller. I also have no idea why I am in the minority in this opinion. It's rare that I feel negatively towards a well regarded book, but it wouldn't be fair if I kept my opinion on "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" to myself.
I'll start with the title. As others have noted, it implies there was underlying research carried out by Covey. Did Covey first define what a highly effective person is, gather a large set of people who fit the definition, and search for what habits they had in common?
No. He came up with an arbitrary set of reasonable values which he believes constitute a decent and well-balanced person, and artificially coerces them into a coherent ideology. Note I said "values". What Covey lists can hardly be called "habits" in any behavioural sense of the word. If the book's title was "Seven values for becoming well-balanced" that would have gained the book one full star in my opinion, up to three.
I do believe that Covey's advice is good, but I find it hard to imagine how it is deserving of such praise. I can only imagine that a society in which «Put first things first» ("habit" 3) , «Think win-win» ("habit" 4) and «Seek first to understand, then to be understood» ("habit" 5) are considered ground-breaking ideas is a deeply damaged one. Maybe that was the case in the early 1990s, or in American business culture. Still, it means that in the best case scenario this book has either not aged well in 25 years or is aimed specifically at people living a highly toxic idea of what it means to be successful.
There are very few examples of application. When they are fictitious they are are caricaturesque, such as a father trying to first understand his son's disappointment with school rather than berating him, or a family conflict in which a holiday the dad planned for ages clashes with the mum's wish to visit her ailing mother.
When the examples are purportedly based on real-life, they become so vague as to hand-waving that could be reduced to «This was a bad situation. Then my "habits" were applied, with no details. Then everything went magically well!».
This pattern is played out again and again: business or person X was in a tough negotiation or disagreement with business or person Y. Then X thought "win-win", or "understood" Y's position first, and they reached an agreement! There's no elaboration into what these win-win positions entailed, what made them viable and desirable to both parts, how X had initially failed to understand the position of Y, or how and why this understanding influenced Y. The examples do not illustrate the application of Coveys values (I insist they are values, not habits), but rather are dogmatic insistence that they work. Ironically I do believe that they work, I would just rather Covey showed me rather than told me. Show, don't tell.
My final gripe is with the convoluted, jargony and flowery pseudo-philosophical style that is found all throughout the book. Not only does it get in the way of what Covey is saying, sometimes you wonder if he is trying to say anything at all. This not only contrasts with modern self-management literature which emphasises getting to the point, but also with self-help books of the same period (The Now Habit, 1989). Even How To Win Friends And Influence People (1936) is refreshingly direct and straightforward compared to Seven Habits.
To conclude, if you have read this far, take my advice with a grain of salt. Many people rave about this book, so there must be a reason they found it valuable. All I can say is that if you enjoy straightforward language, illustrative examples, and the idea of empathy towards the needs of others does not seem alien, this book is most likely not for you.
267 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Margaret
- 04-27-10
The message is simple
Like others on here I initially found the voice monotone and dry with none of the usual punch and uplift found in other personal improvement readings. But on reflection I think that this bland style works better in the long run. It allows you to listen, really listen to what he is saying rather than be short term uplifted. A long book taken at what seems a leisurely pace but I do not think it could have been shortened and still get the message across. This is a casserole not a microwave meal.
100 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Chris
- 08-20-09
good stuff
i thought this was interesting and useful book. The behaviours (habits) make alot of sense
It is a tad preachy at the end. If your in a toss up between this and how to win friends and influence people i think the later is better
27 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Triplecat
- 01-23-09
Highly recommended.
I'd known about this book for a long time and it was always on my list of books to read (listen to). I found the 7 habits fascinating. The age of the book does come across and it is a little preachy but Stephen Covey's research, conclusions and insights are staggering in their depth. Although you come away feeling that a lot of what he says is common sense, the vast majority of people, including myself, would never think in those terms. Stephen unravels what it is to be human and how to make the most of that gift. I can't believe anyone listening could fail to benefit hugely from the experience.
65 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Stair
- 05-23-12
Get over the hangup - does NOT push religion
There are a few reviewers who have written off the book because the author happens to merely mention - in one sentence in the prologue - that he is a Christian. Surely the problem is no more than if he had mentioned being an atheist? - Anyway it is irrelevant to the content of the book and has no bearing on the concept, which is well researched and solid. The author has presented to boards of directors of major international companies and organisations and they wouldn't buy into crap and this is in no way wishy-washy or spiritual, the principles are well set out and argued.
I let the voice - which some may find jarring - pass over me and listened to the content which was what I bought it for after all.
Very insightful and well organised.
As an open minded individual - as far as one may be - why are so many people so touchy as to junk an entire book that is well reviewed by many business leaders and thinkers (and others) simply because an author mentions that he/she has a belief system? Very odd methinks...perhaps there may be something in it. Must look deeper myself perhaps - shall look in the relevant Audible category for a scholarly work without a strong agenda in either direction methinks! - Any suggestions anyone?
106 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Atif
- 03-23-11
Helped me focus on who I am
brilliant book.Layed out principles that are common for all people and essential for success. it helped me to re-focus on what is important for me in life and how to reprioritise my life around my principals.
A must listen for anyone and everyone
27 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- bookwormbadger
- 03-18-11
A great listen
A very empowering book with lots of easy to do, useful ideas for leading a happier, more fulfilling life. Well worth a listen.
18 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Leon
- 06-16-06
7 Habits, constructive change not quick-fix
I took the time to listen to the unabridged version. Audible could do with reviewing the encoding but other than that the book was excellent.
This book is required reading for managers in the 21st century as is the 8th habit. This was an easy listen (even the unabridged version) and Stephen Covey is a great narrator. I'd recommend this book to all.
75 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Paul
- 08-02-07
Life changing
You can now have your cake and eat it. Having read a lot of management books, this is the one that will change your outlook on family and work. You will learn over time to do things differently and take control of those aspects of your life that at the moment might be controlling you.
The book is very readable and listening to Stephen Covey is even better.
43 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Alan
- 04-13-10
Must Read
If you have not yet read this book then you really should. It has been very influential and contains a wealth of ideas. If you only read one personal development book it should be this one. The audio book is well read by the author and is easy to follow and quite entertaining.
18 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Amazon Customer
- 06-07-17
Timeless Book
In rebuilding our civilisation we need to reclaim the True North principles that made it great. These are based on natural laws that are embodied in human nature.
Key amongst these is recognising people as persons who are ends in themselves and understanding that ultimately we are responsible for our own lives.
In this masterpiece, the Late Stephen Covey takes us through the journey of personal transformation from the inside out. Starting with accepting responsibility for that which we can influence, we design our lives and learn to achieve a private victory. We then learn to engage with others on a win-win basis, learning to understand them and ensure we're understood so that we can build better solutions together.
Last of all, we need to constantly renew ourselves. This is an excellent book.
18 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 04-28-19
Not a great audio book
This would be better received in hard copy. The audiobook makes it hard to get into the information. It was not a enjoyable listen.
10 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Ricky
- 09-18-15
Meh...didn't leave me all that impressed
Quite frankly, I wasn't blown away by this book. I dont think Covey presented anything life changing and as he admits within this book - he didn't actually invent anything. Maybe my opinion would be different if I read/listened to this when I was younger and still finding my place in the world. None the less, the principles covered are important life skills and everyone should learn them from somewhere - which may or may not be this book.
What Covey did do well was arrange the principals into an easy to understand framework and relate it to every day life. On some occasions though, I feel he made far to much explanation and the end product could have been a much shorter piece of work while still maintaining its effectiveness. If you dont want to listen to 13 hours of this, Covey summarizes the content on his website, freely available to read through in about 20 minutes.
It came off as a little preachy in parts and while Covey is free to have one, religion doesn't really need to be in this book and all of these principles are 100% achievable without it.
I found Covey's reading to be top-notch though. His voice tone wasn't dreary, was clear and even calming, and I could easily listen to him narrate other of his works. The only thing annoying in the presentation was that awful little jingle/harmony they played between sections.
92 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Noreen
- 10-09-16
Excellent
loved it. Full of excellent, practical advice on how to manage your day to day life and other people. The best book i have read about management.
10 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Krizy
- 04-14-16
Too much examples made me drift away
I didn't like that it wasn't straight to the point. The book kept providing too many examples and it made me as a reader drift away and get distracted. I was really looking forward to reading this book based on the number of reviews. I finished it but it was painful.
13 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Amazon Customer
- 03-23-19
Condescending and unapproachable
Appreciate this has been a great book for a lot of people. Whether it is the narrator’s voice or artist use I found it to be very ‘holier than thou’. In the incredibly unlikely event that the author were to see this comment I’m sure he’d accuse me of seeking easy solutions. I prefer to search for skills but think it’s important to build our own frameworks.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jon
- 11-24-15
Excellent resource, will listen over and over agai
If you could sum up The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People in three words, what would they be?
outstanding, informative must have
What did you like best about this story?
the advise and in depth explanation
Have you listened to any of Stephen R. Covey’s other performances? How does this one compare?
no, but will in the future
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
invest in your future now
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 07-20-20
Not happy with the book
I did not like the narrator and the book is too ‘dry’.
Definitely not what I expected.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- sherileigh
- 04-23-18
BEST personal development EVER
What did you like most about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People?
All the chapters related to all aspects of my life. The lessons can be applied to life, family, work, parenting, social life, marriage.....EVERYTHING
Who was your favorite character and why?
N/A
Which scene did you most enjoy?
N/A
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
Be the best at everything you do
Any additional comments?
I started reading this book to improve my work from home business. As it turns out I was able to apply these lessons to all aspects of my life. As a result I am in a space of emotional control as a single working Mum and carer of my aging parents. My part time work reviews are improving exponentially to match my confidence and book application. The part time work from home job I do is improving greatly and putting me in a financially independent position.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Chely
- 08-31-17
Extraordinary resourcefulness!
Love it and enjoy every chapters of the book! I strongly recommend it!! It is a must for entrepreneurs, families and kids!
2 people found this helpful