The 8th Habit Book Summary - The 8th Habit Book explained in key points
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The 8th Habit summary

From Effectiveness to Greatness

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In 'The 8th Habit' by Stephen R. Covey, he discusses how finding your voice is the key to unlocking human potential. By using four human intelligences, we can find fulfillment and meaning in our personal and professional lives.

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    The 8th Habit
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    The 8th habit is all about finding a way to greatness in today's Information/Knowledge Worker Age.

    Ever feel like you don’t make much of a difference? Or that what you do doesn’t really matter? Many people seem to feel this way. But why?

    Well, many organizations can’t keep up with the constant changes of our modern world. And therein lies the problem.

    We currently live in the Information/Knowledge Worker Age, the successor of the Industrial Age. Many organizations find it difficult to accommodate the shifting approaches to work that this new era gave rise to, and they still operate with an Industrial Age mindset, governed by a domineering top-down style.

    This kind of control functions poorly in the current age, which is all about unleashing the potential of our workers.

    Consider the value of quality in today’s IT industry. An outstanding programer, for instance, is 1000 times more productive than an average programer. During the Industrial Age, such disparities between individual levels of productivity were impossible.

    It’s therefore necessary to abolish the controlling top-down approach, as it limits employee potential. We must produce the kind of quality we expect of today’s businesses.

    Most importantly, employees should be encouraged to find their own voice.

    Everyone wants to be great at their job, but only those who find their voice and make a habit of using their strengths can enjoy true success. Finding that inner voice is known as the 8th habit. So how do you do it?

    It starts with treating employees respectfully so that they can make their own choices, use their creativity and feel significant in their workplace. Everyone must be able to find their own voice and, in turn, inspire others to find theirs.

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    Key ideas in The 8th Habit

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    What is The 8th Habit about?

    The 8th Habit (2004) helps you find your inner voice and thereby lead a more fulfilled life. Covey explains why we struggle to feel motivated and passionate (particularly in our working life) and how we can go about changing that.

    The 8th Habit Review

    The 8th Habit (2004) by Stephen R. Covey is a thought-provoking book that explores the importance of finding our own voice and purpose in a rapidly changing world. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • Offering a new approach to personal fulfillment and leadership, it encourages readers to tap into their unique talents and make a positive impact on the world.
    • Through inspiring stories and practical insights, the book equips readers with the tools to balance personal and professional life effectively.
    • With its emphasis on unleashing human potential, the book challenges conventional thinking and provides a compelling vision for personal and organizational transformation.

    Who should read The 8th Habit?

    • Business leaders
    • Anyone feeling lost or unfulfilled
    • People striving to work efficiently and with joy

    About the Author

    Stephen R. Covey co-founded and served as vice chairman of FranklinCovey Co. Over the course of his life, he was awarded 12 honorary doctorate degrees and wrote several books, including the bestselling The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (also available on Blinkist), which Forbes listed as one of the top ten most influential management books ever. TIME magazine also included Covey in their list of the 25 most influential Americans.

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    The 8th Habit FAQs 

    What is the main message of The 8th Habit?

    The main message of The 8th Habit is finding your voice and inspiring others to find theirs.

    How long does it take to read The 8th Habit?

    The reading time for The 8th Habit varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The 8th Habit a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The 8th Habit is worth reading for its insights on leadership, personal development, and unleashing human potential.

    Who is the author of The 8th Habit?

    The author of The 8th Habit is Stephen R. Covey.

    What to read after The 8th Habit?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The 8th Habit, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • First Things First by Stephen R. Covey
    • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
    • Live Life in Crescendo by Stephen R. Covey and Cynthia Covey Haller
    • Trust and Inspire by Stephen M.R. Covey
    • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Stephen R. Covey
    • The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
    • How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
    • Primary Greatness by Stephen Covey
    • The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
    • The Power of Focus by Jack Canfield