The 8th Habit
February 6th, 2005 by Steve Pavlina
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I recently finished reading Stephen Covey’s The 8th Habit, which I enjoyed tremendously. It seemed a bit wordy and redundant in some parts, but I liked the whole-person model that incorporates body, heart, mind, and spirit. Covey applies his concepts mainly to large organizations, but most of the ideas scale well to the level of personal productivity. I thought it was a nice touch that the book includes a DVD with 16 short videos, although I’d only say 3 or 4 of the videos added anything of substance. If you enjoyed reading The 7 Habits, then I’d highly recommend The 8th Habit as well. But even if you haven’t read the first book, the 7 habits are summarized in the second quite nicely. This isn’t the kind of book that gives you practical and immediately applicable ideas. Instead it makes you think about high-level top-down concepts and how you might choose to follow them down to the level of action.
My next book to read will be Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done by Larry Bossidy & Ram Charan. And after that will be Getting Things Done by Edwin Bliss (as opposed to the book of the same title by David Allen); this book was recommended by a reader in a previously posted comment — it appears to be out of print, but I found a used copy on Amazon for $3.50 (including shipping).
February 7th, 2005 at 4:19 am
Steve, I am pleasantly suprised by the fact that you will read the book that I have recommended. I’m very curious about your opinion on it.
About the Execution book you are currently reading: I have read it too. In my opinion it’s 95% fluff, 5% useful information. Yes, it stresses the importance of execution, but that’s about all there is useful in that book.
February 7th, 2005 at 12:38 pm
Execution is very helpful for organizations rather than individuals. It’s a bit repetitive, but they recommend difficult and powerful steps to insist on accountability. The multiple case studies show you it can be done, even if it’s hard.
It’s an interesting counterpoint to the GTD-centered personal growth and effectiveness subjects you write about. It’s one thing if you’re managing yourself, but you need different tools when you’re also managing others.
Highly recommended.
February 7th, 2005 at 4:27 pm
i’m loving the book but i would love if u could send me notes on the book the 8th habit thanks for the help
February 7th, 2005 at 11:56 pm
Execution applies to both companies and individuals.
Many individuals have grand plans, but never execute them.