One of My Favorite Books: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Dr. Stephen R. Covey

When I first read this book, I knew Covey was a genius. The way he arranged and organized the 7 habits was simply outstanding. This is one of the best (Top 10) Self-help ACTION books I have ever read, and if you buy the audible version, you get to listen to Covey narrate his book which is a true blessing. You can hear the enthusiasm in his voice on certain topics. I believe Covey was ahead of his time in terms of social intelligence and principle-centered leadership.

 

This book is a timeless classic, and if you don't have a copy, you should definitely invest in purchasing it. Double down on your brain and you will not regret it with this book. You can re-read it every year or two, as it will never get old. This book is based on true and timeless principles of social intelligence, and it should be required reading in school.

I would say Habit 5:  "Seek First to Understand...Then be Understood," is my most challenging habit. It permeates everything we do when it comes to communication with another person. For my job as a personal injury lawyer, it comes into play in two very distinct ways. First, I am also negotiating my client's case whether it is in trial, mediation, or arbitration. This habit teaches you to see what the other person wants FIRST, before your needs, in order to understand where they are coming from and to potentially create, what Covey calls a "Synergistic Outcome" that is beneficial to both parties. Covey says we are great talkers but terrible listeners. In the book, he expounds on the importance of "empathetic listening."

 

Second, I use Habit 5 in Jury Selection. At trial, there are two times I can talk directly with the jury, in Jury Selection and Closing Arguments. But, in Jury Selection, I am allowed to ask questions to individual jurors and have an actual conversation - to make sure they will be fair and impartial on the various issues on the case. When they give their answers I need to listen empathetically by seeing what they are saying from their point of view, not mine. This is a life skill and is part of the art of jury selection. I listen to their tone, body language, and what they actually say. I shut up and listen. Then I repeat what I believed they said asking permission if my interpretation is a fair representation. 

By far it would have to be Habit 7: "Sharpen the Saw," because it teaches us to renew our understanding and learning continually from Habits 1-6, and at the same time, protecting our most precious asset: which is, ourselves. Covey dives deep and clears the cobwebs in the attic of the mind by dividing this habit into 4 parts.

This habit teaches us that everything in life is a cycle, and in order to stay sharp, you have to "saw" at these four areas continually (but the trick is you cannot forget to continually "sharpen your saw"). Notice how he places health first? "Exercise of the body" is much more important in certain aspects than "exercise of the mind." Covey takes from Eastern philosophy and gives it to the reader in endless doses. I just love this habit, and this entire book, for that matter. 

That is it for my book review! I hope you enjoyed it.  As you may know, I am a San Diego Injury Trial Lawyer, so if you happen to need my legal help in your injury case, then please fill out my convenient online form to schedule a free consultation to learn how I can help you today. Or, you can always call me direct at 619.813.7955, or via email at mark@blanelaw.com.