Stephen R. Covey
Stephen R. Covey (October 24, 1932 – July 16, 2012) was a renowned American educator, author, businessman, and motivational speaker, best known for his influential work in leadership and personal development.
Early Life and Education
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Covey faced health challenges in his youth that redirected his focus from athletics to academics. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Utah, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a Doctorate of Religious Education from Brigham Young University (BYU). At BYU, he also served as a professor and held various administrative roles.
Major Works and Contributions
Covey’s seminal book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, published in 1989, has sold over 25 million copies worldwide and has been translated into numerous languages. The book outlines a principle-centered approach to personal and professional effectiveness.
The seven habits are:
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Be Proactive
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Begin with the End in Mind
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Put First Things First
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Think Win-Win
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Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
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Synergize
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Sharpen the Saw
Beyond this, Covey authored several other influential books, including:
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First Things First
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Principle-Centered Leadership
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The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness
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The Leader in Me
These works further explore themes of leadership, time management, and personal growth.
Professional Endeavors
Covey co-founded FranklinCovey, a global professional services firm specializing in performance improvement. The company offers training and consulting services based on Covey’s principles.
He also served as a professor at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University, where he continued to teach and mentor students until his passing.
Honors and Legacy
In 1996, Time magazine named Covey one of the 25 most influential Americans. His teachings have had a profound impact on individuals and organizations worldwide, emphasizing the importance of character, integrity, and ethical leadership.
Personal Life
Covey was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various leadership roles within the church. He and his wife, Sandra Merrill Covey, had nine children, including Stephen M. R. Covey, who followed in his father’s footsteps as an author and speaker.
