Stephen Covey

Quotes are word for word from the source.

• Future focused mindset

  “Live out of your imagination, not your history.”

  Our noteCovey was discussing how to avoid being trapped by past experiences.

• Leadership vs Management

  “Effective leadership is putting first things first. Effective management is discipline, carrying it out.”

  Our noteHe was explaining the distinction between setting priorities and executing them.

• Learning through action

  “Remember, to learn and not to do is really not to learn. To know and not to do is really not to know.”

  Our noteCovey emphasized that true knowledge requires practical application.

• Strategic direction

  “Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall.”

  Our noteHe used a ladder metaphor to describe the importance of strategic vision.

• Scheduling priorities

  “The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”

  Our noteCovey was teaching a proactive approach to time management.

• Empathetic listening

  “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”

  Our noteHe was critiquing common communication habits in interpersonal relationships.

• Character based influence

  “In the last analysis, what we are communicates far more eloquently than anything we say or do.”

  Our noteCovey discussed how character is the foundation of effective communication.

• Communication preparation

  “Prepare your mind and heart before you prepare your speech. What we say may be less important than how we say it.”

  Our noteHe offered advice on how to influence others through sincere communication.

• Power of choice

  “We are product of neither nature nor nurture; we are a product of choice, because there is always a space between stimulus and response.”

  Our noteHe was explaining the human capacity to decide one's own path regardless of environment.