Stephen R. Covey (1932–2012) was a globally renowned author, educator, and speaker, best known for his groundbreaking work in leadership and personal development. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Covey pursued education passionately, earning a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Utah, an MBA from Harvard, and a doctorate in Religious Education from Brigham Young University, where he also served as a professor of organizational behavior.
Covey’s expertise in leadership and management crystallized in his seminal book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (1989). The book, which has sold over 40 million copies and been translated into dozens of languages, introduced a principle-centered approach to leadership, emphasizing timeless values like proactivity, prioritization, and synergy. Its transformative framework continues to guide individuals and organizations toward sustainable effectiveness.
Another significant work, Principle-Centered Leadership (1991), built on his philosophy, offering actionable insights for creating enduring organizational and personal success. Covey’s teachings are rooted in universal principles and Covey’s teachings are rooted in universal principles and ethical leadership, making his work highly applicable across cultures and industries.
Here are some of my favorite Steven Covey quotations:
Notable Quotes:
“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”
Covey emphasizes the importance of staying focused on core priorities, urging leaders to align their time and efforts with what truly matters most in the long run.
“Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall.”
This quote differentiates management from leadership, highlighting that while management is about doing things right, leadership ensures that efforts are directed toward meaningful goals. See my earlier blog on strategic thinking capability.
“Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”
Covey advocates for empathy and deep listening as a cornerstone of effective communication. Leaders should focus on understanding others’ perspectives before presenting their own views. A point I emphasized in my blog advising to overprepare for every meeting.
“Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication.”
For Covey, trust is foundational to relationships and communication. Leaders must build trust to foster openness, collaboration, and long-term success. This is a focus of my earlier blog, “Demonstrate Integrity and Earn Trust”.
“The way we see the problem is the problem.”
Covey suggests that changing our perspective is often the first step toward solving challenges. Leaders should question their assumptions and adopt new ways of thinking.
“Live out of your imagination, not your history.”
This encourages forward-thinking leadership, inspiring leaders to envision new possibilities instead of being constrained by past experiences. The ability to, “see around corners” and anticipate future changes in the business environment are invaluable attributes of strong leaders.
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”
Covey underscores the importance of intentional time management, urging leaders to align their schedules with their most important goals. Early in my career one of my weaknesses was the inability to prioritize. Later I would often tell my staff, “we can do anything but we can’t do everything”. Prioritization is key.
These quotes reflect Covey’s philosophy that effective leadership is rooted in character, intentionality, empathy, and personal responsibility. His works continue to provide enduring wisdom for leaders striving to balance priorities, foster trust, and achieve meaningful outcomes.