The seven habits of highly effective people – Stephen Covey

Stephen Covey sold more than 15 million copies of this book since the first publication in 1989. The book discusses seven habits which should render the reader more effective. The book handles two aspects: some personal methodologies and some values and principles to follow.
The seven habits are:

The seven habits are:

Be proactive: The author discusses the differences that result from a proactive and a reactive behaviour. He states that everybody is responsible for his own life and success is based on taking initiative and action.
Begin with the end in mind: Covey recommends formulating a "personal mission statement" to document your vision in life. If you want to reach something, every step that you do must add to that goal.
Put first things first: This is my personal favorite! Stephen Covey introduces to time-management the notion of importance. Too often time-management and TO-DO lists rank "urgent" items on top, instead of important items. Covey asks the question: "are there things that you are postponing all the time, but that could make a big difference in the long run?". These tasks need to be on top of your list.
Think win win: This chapter is about an attitude that benefits mutual solutions rather then satisfying the need of only one party.
Seek first to understand, then to be understood: What confidence do you have in a doctor the prescribes medicine without proper diagnose. Covey says that thoroughly listening to another person's concerns increases the chance of establishing a working communication.
Synergize: A pleading for collaborative decision making where differences are valued and lead to more then the sum of what each team member could do on his own.
Sharpen the saw: This is another favorite of mine. The author emphasizes the need to engage in carefully selected recreational activities and life-long learning (not necessary in your own professional field). The goal is to keep your mind sharp.