Stephen Covey’s Legacy
Posted by Orrin Woodward on July 24, 2012
Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
The other day, I read of the passing of one of the giants of leadership – Stephen Covey. Although I will miss him, I am thankful he left a legacy behind though his many books and changed lives. He certainly changed my life. I was twenty-six years old when I read Stephen Covey’s classic Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Within minutes, I quickly realized that Covey thought about success and the roots of true achievement at a deeper level than the other books I had read on the subject. Desiring authentic success, I vowed to read and re-read Covey’’s book until the principles were part of who I am. Seven Habits went on to sell millions of copies as the book converted many pragmatist into principle-centered people. Covey’s life counted because he culled and coaxed truth out of the classics and captured them into his life and teachings.
Indeed the goal of the LIFE business is to take these principles and compensate people for sharing them with others. In other words, people are rewarded for blessing others lives. In RESOLVED: 13 Resolutions for LIFE, I roll out the 13 resolutions that Laurie and I focus on living and teaching. In writing the book, I viewed Seven Habits as the benchmark because of how significantly the book changed my paradigm of success. I stopped viewing success as a personal objective and began seeing it as a leadership goal within communities. With so many great leaders in the community, the tasks of sharing, teaching, and mentoring has been made so much easier than if we had chosen to go it alone. I love teamwork; I love winning; and I love celebrating others success. Covey’s life work laid the foundations for a principle-centered life, what can we do to add onto it?
Sincerely,
59 Responses to “Stephen Covey’s Legacy”
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Ali Staneart said
Great post Orrin! Thank you!
Kevin Hamm said
Thank you for the post Orrin,
I am definitely at the age where legacy is my main priority. Of course, with my faith, I want that legacy to not only impact this world, but eternity as well. Thank you for the legacy you are building Orrin, as it provides a vehicle where both temporal and eternal rewards can be had. Keep inspiring.
Kevin Hamm
Dawn Andermann said
Yes, Stephen Covey will be missed. I have only begun to realize the impact the 7 Habits can have in my life even though I taught the material for several years as part of a study skills course. His impact on many lives is great and will continue to change lives for the better as his book is studied again and again. It is great to be reminded of these habits in the talks given by LIFE speakers, including yourself. Thanks, Orrin, for helping to continue Covey’s legacy!
Bill Eder said
Amen Orrin: Some years ago I was entroduced to the 7 habits concept and took part in a course on it. When I became involved with Team a few years ago I revisited the principles Steven Covey taught. I too was saddened by his passing however many are better
for having practiced his principles. Thanks for this tribute to
one of the great leaders of mondern times he will be missed.
Blessings to all
Kristen Seidl said
You bet Bill, Stephan Covey has impacted so many lives and he was a great example of someone who was passionate about personal growth and helping others. You too are following that same example.
Kirk and Nicole Porter said
What an impact one can make when they leave the clues of success for others to find! We have been blessed as well to learn from him and you as well. Thank you for your continued dedication in helping others learn how to live a principle centered life!
God Bless,
Kirk and Nicole Porter
Adam Gonzales said
I am reading through 7 Habbits this month and wouldn’t you know it my Life subscription this month a talk by Laurie Woodward reviewing the Book sharing what she got out of it!! The Life subscription has truely made learning Fun again!!! Thank you Orrin for your vission and the rest of the PC for making this life changing community possible!!! Oh yea the money Is AWSOME as well!!!
Windy Stanton said
I think Mr. Covey would be thrilled to know that his life’s work helped create our life’s work. He will be missed. But his legacy continues. 🙂
Jeanne Fritch said
One of the best books that I ever read when first finding a leadership development system was this book by Covey. I have reread it several times and know how much it has changed my “natural” approach to dealing with others. He left a worthy legacy. Thanks, Orrin.
Steve Leurquin said
Thanks for the legacy of great information on successful living to follow. This is a must reread and a great reference book for many areas of life.
carla girard said
Orrin, what a great post! What really struck me was the definition of community vs personal success. What is so refreshing and real is that when everyone wins, we win individually!!! I am seeing that in our community. It is difficult to make that mental switch, but worth it.
Keith Sieracki said
I agree Orrin, that book and its many principles has had an impact in so many peoples lives. I was introduced to the “Seven Habits..” at age 23. It opened my eyes to a very different way of thinking. I respect LIFE for exposing principle based ideas of great leaders so we apply them in our lives. Lets respect his efforts by putting his words into action.
Maura Galliani said
7 Habits WILL be the next book I read. See you in Milwaukee!
Kathleen Smies said
We had the privilege of visiting with Orrin and Laurie at their home in March and one of the things I remember most is how highly Laurie spoke about the impact of “The Seven Habits” book on her life. This couple has truly succeeded in living the seven habits and they are excited to share that success with others. We appreciate the effort they went through to blaze a trail for us and our leaders. Steven Covey has left an amazing legacy that will live on through all the people touched by his principles.
John HATCHELL said
Legacy, he passed leaving more than a dash…your honor to his name in your action is Inspiring for us ..let us honor someone we know that has given us the same..I challenge us to call or talk to someone that made a significant difference for greatness in our life!!!
Farrah Sargent said
Orrin,
Thank you for dedicating your life to service. You are so humble. I am overcoming more and more everyday and building myself onto the story and legacy started my Mr. Covey and yourself. I finally feel like I am connected with God’s will in my life thanks to you and the people like Mr. Covey that taught and inspired you.
God Bless you,
Farrah
Peggi Kern said
Great thoughts, Farrah! I am inspired by young mothers and wives, who strive to be their best, are humble and teachable just like you! It’s a great example for those children you serve, your husband, family and community!
Rob Crichlow said
Seven Habits was a game changer for me as well. His legacy will live on in my children because of the LIFE business.
Jesse Sheldon said
Great post! I listend to your 7 Habits CD today just for a quick reminder on how impactful the principles in Covey’s book were.
Barbara Jordan said
You make great points about Covey, Orrin. I will miss him too. I especially appreciate all the principles of servant leadership that he shared with us. You have been charged with following his footsteps. Keep up the good work!
Micah Kramer said
Orrin,
Thank you for this post, honoring a great man in the history of our nation and for this generation. Like so many of us, the 7 Habits principles impacted me profoundly, though I must admit, I have yet to master them! Perhaps that’s why LIFE made so much sense to me when Jeff and Tammy Darling shared these truths with me. And, perhaps that is why I love studying your masterpiece RESOLVED 13 Resolutions….I’m grateful for the work of Dr. Covey and his legacy of service to others… What a blessing that his legacy is forever woven into the tapestry of LIFE.
God Bless,
Micah Kramer
Cliff Olson said
Orrin-
What a great and fitting tribute to Dr. Covey. His life is one we should all try to emulate. Not only did he impact millions of people with his life, but his legacy in print will contiue to change lives for decades to come. I am grateful that he so heavily influenced your life….what an amazing example of how good information can be leveraged!
God Bless-
Cliff Olson
kristen seidl said
I agree Cliff! Keep learning and leading, your influence is impacting many lives. Proud of you!
Geneva said
I have to honestly say I’m not sure I would have known Steven Covey, read this amazing book, or knew what an phenomenal leader he was had it not been for the top 5 books & the book of the month club through TEAM System.
I quote the 7 habits quite often at work, especially the difference between urgent & important. Beginning any project with the end in mind is critical.
Thank you Orrin & the policy council for introducing me to many, many, many extraordinary men & women authors.
Peggi Kern said
Orrin, I was introduced to Stephen Covey’s book, 7 Habits of Highly Successful People through you and this leadership organization! It was one of the books I can truly say has changed my way of thinking and given me insight into myself. Because of reading this book, I’ve been able to develop my personal mission statement and begin living my life in the important, yet not urgent tasks, leading me to see how I can expand my circle of influence and minimize my circle of concern. (I can be a worrier) I am truly thankful to Stephen Covey for sharing his amazing leadership journey with so many through his writings. However, I would have NEVER picked up that book and read it, if it hadn’t been for the respect I have for you, Chris Brady and the policy council on Team. The legacy that you’re creating in your life and the example of Marc and Kristine Militello has inspired me to want become a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and business owner. I am thankful for your book “Resolved” and the Mental Fitness Challenge, which has taken me through the 13 Resolutions for life in such a thoughtful and meaningful way. I see that you are creating a legacy that will match that of Stephen Covey and my desire is that I can create my own legacy (the one sentence people will say about me) through continued learning for the glory of God. Thank you for all you and Laurie do to serve this community.
Kristen Seidl said
Orrin,
I had never heard of Stephan Covey prior to TEAM. It is such a great testament to what this organization is doing, bringing leadership material like the “7 Habits” to the masses of people who would not otherwise have the knowledge to access that information. Stephan Covey’s legacy will live on for generations. Orrin, your impact in the world already and your mission of going to 1,000,000 people would make every great leader who has gone before us so proud. Thank you!
Eric Matchette said
Orrin
thank you so much for this post. Steven Covey’s 7 habits have helped change mine and my family’s life. Just as Resolved 13 Resolutions.
God Bless
jimmy varghese said
I appreciate that you posted this article about your colleague. I loved this book and its principles are helping me become a better leader everyday. The truth and information that can change a person’s life is what motivates me to pursue excellence through the LIFE opportunity. I pay tribute to Mr. Covey for all his hard work.
Tim Marks said
Orrin
We will sure miss Steven Covey but won’t soon forget him. My favorite principle from him is “begin with the end in mind”. With LIFE we are just beginning and in my mind I can see a bunch of folks getting free this year!!!
Tim
Orrin Woodward said
Amen Tim. The explosion is ramping up! I can feel it! God Bless, Orrin
Matt Mielke said
I love the win-win principle the policy counsel has committed to teaching (from Covey) in the LIFE business. I too see the freedom explosion coming. Godspeed to 1 million, Matt
kristine Militello said
7 Habits was a life changing book for me! I like all the principles, but one of the ways to build on Covey’s legacy, and this is simply one of the many, is to live out the principles of his book. I personally have grown a lot from the principle of win/win or no deal. I’ve used it in parenting, community, marriage, business…..it’s an incredible principle to live by. So in carrying on the legacy, let’s live win win or no deal! What a difference we will make : )
Peggi Kern said
I remember when I first read that principle in Covey’s book and shortly after had the chance to use it in an issue my daughter and I were dealing with. I was amazed at the change it made in resolving the conflict we were facing. It definitely has made a difference in my life.
Vicki Mullica said
Hello Orrin! Your article is a great tribute to Steven Covey. I participated in one of his courses a few years back and I did retain key points, however, when I became a part of TEAM and re-read his book 7 Habits, combined with Team materials, it made much more sense to me.
Tiberius Apavaloaie said
Thank you Orrin for sharing. What an amazing legacy. What will you do with uour ‘dash’?
Robby Palmer said
Excellent legacy! Wonderful principles, still am blown away by the training I received years ago, for $1800, I probably have not spent that on life products yet, and have advanced quite further. Just saying…. Your legacy will be more powerful, all because it directed at the masses! The approach is geniius, coveys stuff is great, don’t get me wrong, but I look forward to the day!
SJ Barakony said
I’d say that Stephen Covey is an on-point personal example of Resolution 13. God Bless him for pouring out his mind, heart, and soul into such a fantastic book that will outlive him by an immeasurable number of generations.
I love the ‘Seven Habits’ CD in the Top 50, Orrin, and I plan to revisit this landmark book soon; what a way to honour his life by reading, then applying his words to a world in much need of: Being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, putting priorities first, only thinking win:win, seeking first to understand, synergizing, and sharpening the saw (mental fitness) 🙂
Maribel Damphousse said
Thanks for this hommage, Orrin, to a great man. His popular book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, is an eye opener for me as well and has embarked me to my thirst to learn and improve myself more through the TEAM training system, where I received my first copy of his book. Thank you Mr. Covey for your legacy.
Randy Donais said
I never heard of Stephen Covey, let alone read any of his books, but I certainly will after the Major here in Milwaukee this weekend. I’m glad his impact and legacy will continue to be evident in LIFE.
Kristen Seidl said
Randy, I love that LIFE is exposing names such as Stephan Covey to those of us who may have never heard of him prior. Just as Orrin said, his teaching is principle centered truth that we can all apply to become better. Your hunger to read a book a week is inspiring and you are leading by example.
Brittany Schlabach said
Incredible how one book could be so inspirational, that mere pages would have a tremendous impact on one’s life!
Chad Sutkay said
Orrin, I was first introduced to 7 Habits in my Fraternity in College, Steven is actually a fraternity brother in the same international fraternity I was a part of. I wish at the age of 19 I would have chosen to apply this books teaching rather than waiting until my late 20’s when I joined the TEAM however I am grateful to have been reintroduced to it! My favorite is “Seek first to understand, then be understood”. This has saved me so many relationships over the past few years! Thank you Brother Covey, we shall carry your teachings onward.
God Bless,
Chad
Rob Robson said
Well said Orrin! Covey will live on for many generations because he invested his life in his purpose rather than a pension or play. Truly a life well lived!
Pam Mitchell said
I life lived helping others is a life well lived. He will be missed.
Greg Johnson said
Orrin,
To me Stephen Covey’s book gave me the foremost principle to consider; habits. It is what defines our life. The habits we form and the habits we neglect shape the person we become. Stephen Covey left a legacy not just with his life but in the many lives he helped shape by providing with us with a road-map. May his legacy continue on by us sharing his principles to the so many in our society looking to change their lives.
Jesse & Christina said
Stephen R. Covey was a giant of this generation, may many more learn from his life well led! Thank you Orrin for impacting my wife and I for Good.
God Bless,
Jesse & Christina
Ryan Calovich said
Thanks for sharing this post Orrin and being humble enough to always edify other leaders! You’re a true servant leader!
Richard Kroll Jr. said
Orrin, I was able to read this book because of the incredible leadership development program you developed. Thank you for wading through the junk out there and only suggesting the BEST! Part of Stephen Covey’s legacy will be all the lives he postively impacted by this wonderful book. Thank you for all you do to help us live the life we’ve always wanted!
Denny Smith said
Orrin,
You exemplify all of the 7 habits, however the WIN- WIN principal stands out when I think of you and Team Life.
Every decision I have witnessed you make, you always strive for a Win – WIn outcome which is amazing !!!
It is why Team is going to 1 million members in next 5 years.
Lest help everybody WIN big……..!
Mary Ellen Robson said
It is such a rush to be actively engaged in “life” with LIFE! Each month I can’t wait for the newest info and to be on a life-long purposeful quest!! Thanks to you and all of the awesome leaders!!
Scott Gray said
His inspiration will live on for many years to come.
Alex Obiden said
I am a newer student of leadership, only 22 years old. I have heard so much about Stephen R. Covey since my journey begun nearly 1 1/2 years ago. Just to be involved in a profession with leaders of that caliber, and aspiring to be like them, gives one an incredible sense of self confidence. Covey paved the road for a lot of us, for that I’ll be ever grateful. Though he may have left this world he has not really left us. Legacy can live forever in the hearts of those it helps. Thank you Mr. Covey.
Anthony Nieto said
Covey’s legacy has lived on. I can tell his book and principles have blessed the teams success. LIFE is truly amazing! Thanks Orrin
Wes Smith said
All of his books are amazing. He will be missed.
Kim Decker said
Orrin,
I can’t agree more, these books wether you are in this businessor not help people to at least understand others. We need not only see what others are and why but understand ourselves as well. As the saying goes “Its not all about you”, pay attention to others feeling and understand why they are like they are. Geat work as usual and the TEAM/LIFE lives on.
JB Thompson said
Orrin. Thank you for making the ideas easy to understand. I also appreciate how you constantly return to principle as you base your life and your teachings. Thank you.
Yancy Chaj said
I could not agree more with what you said.Stephen Covey will surely be missed and the wisdom the teachings and legacy he left behind are unmesuarable a person could only hope to achieve and better oneself day by day.That would be what we can do to repay all this wisdom and knowledge that when our final day comes we could have made a difference at least in on life.
Thank You
Orrin
Robby Palmer said
I am so grateful for the principles taught in those books!
Wildtarg said
When I first read …Seven Habits…, I was astounded at the reach and detail of analysis that Mr. Covey had gone through to produce both the book’s material, and its objective. It has become more than just a success manual; it is, in my own modest opinion, one of the indispensable classics to living a better life. Stephen Covey has done the human race an incalculably valuable service by carefully and thoughtfully producing this work, and I am humbly grateful to be able to profit by it.
Keep going, we’re coming…