The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1989

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-2

Chapters 3-4

Chapters 5-6

Chapters 7-8

Chapters 9-11

Key Figures

Themes

Index of Terms

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

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Discussion Questions

Chapters 9-11Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 2: “Private Victory” - Part 4: “Renewal”

Chapter 9 Summary: “Habit 6: Synergize”

This chapter explains the sixth habit of effective people—synergy. Covey believes that synergy is the culmination of the habits taught in previous chapters because it combines oppositional elements in a way that leads to a constructive outcome. The whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts. He says, “Synergy […] catalyzes, unifies, and unleashes the greatest powers within people. All the habits we have covered prepare us to create the miracle of synergy” (308).

The author goes on to give examples of synergistic communication in both classroom and business settings. In each instance, one courageous individual speaks to the rest of the group about deeply held emotions or beliefs. These act as a catalyst to stimulate others to share their personal experiences and concerns. This spontaneous sharing leads to conclusions that none of the individuals might have struck upon independently. “Once people have experienced real synergy, they are never quite the same again. They know the possibility of having other such mind-expanding adventures in the future” (315).

A key element in creating synergistic solutions is to develop a sense of trust among those communicating with one another. Cooperation only becomes possible if the atmosphere isn’t fraught with hostility and fear. Rather than wasting time and energy criticizing different viewpoints and beliefs, Covey recommends that people learn to value the differences among them. He says, “Valuing the differences is the essence of synergy—the mental, the emotional, the psychological differences between people. And the key to valuing those differences is to realize that all people see the world, not as it is, but as they are” (323). The goal of synergy is to utilize those differing viewpoints to stimulate new solutions to old problems.

The chapter ends with a series of exercises intended to develop the reader’s ability to tolerate and appreciate diversity in order to achieve synergy.

1) Engage with a person you don’t agree with to solve a problem together.

2) Make a list of people who annoy you. Pinpoint any synergistic opportunities in your relationship.

3) Think of a group where you want to create teamwork. What conditions need to change to make that happen?

4) During your next argument with someone, try to understand the concerns of the other person. Address them in a constructive way.

Chapter 10 Summary: “Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw”

Covey explains what he means by “sharpen the saw.” He tells the anecdote of a lumberjack who works at cutting down a tree for hours but won’t take five minutes to sharpen his dull saw. The author sees sharpening as the process of renewal and believes that each individual must engage in this renewal process to remain in peak condition: “Habit 7 is personal PC. It’s preserving and enhancing the greatest asset you have—you. It’s renewing the four dimensions of your nature—physical, spiritual, mental, and social/emotional” (342).

He then elaborates on each of the four dimensions and explains how to renew each one. The physical dimension requires a strong, healthy body, which can be achieved by exercise to increase endurance, flexibility, and strength. The spiritual dimension requires quiet meditation time to allow for psychic refreshment. The mental dimension depends on a process of lifelong learning that can be stimulated by reading or continuing education courses.

Covey recommends spending one hour each day devoted to supporting the first three dimensions. These, in turn, will lead to an improved practice of Habits 1, 2, and 3. The final social/emotional dimension supports Habits 4, 5, and 6 and is practiced all day long in every interaction with others. It is the author’s belief that attending to the four dimensions will create a sense of intrinsic security within the individual.

The author extends his advice to nurture the four dimensions to organizations as well as individuals. Corporations must strike a balance among the four dimensions if they are to thrive and find renewal. Renewal then becomes synergetic in creating new possibilities for growth. Ultimately, renewal facilitates an upward growth spiral on a personal and public level.

The chapter concludes with exercises to help the reader find balance among the four dimensions of experience.

1) Make a list of enjoyable physical activities to keep you fit.

2) Select one and practice it for a week. Evaluate your performance.

3) Make the same kind of list for spiritual and mental activities. Select one. Implement it for a week and evaluate your performance.

4) Make a list of “sharpen the saw” activities across all four dimensions every week. Commit to doing them. Evaluate your performance.

Chapter 11 Summary: “Inside Out Again”

In the final chapter, Covey returns to his initial premise that all meaningful change happens from the inside out. He recalls reading a quote that encapsulated his philosophy: “It basically contained the simple idea that there is a gap or a space between stimulus and response, and that the key to both our growth and happiness is how we use that space” (367).

Rather than attempting to change behavior, the author focused on changing the inner person. He extended the same principle to his entire family and to the interdependence that exists between members of different generations. He encourages the reader to become what he calls “a transition person” and says, “A tendency that’s run through your family for generations can stop with you. You’re a transition person—a link between the past and the future. And your own change can affect many, many lives downstream” (374).

Ultimately, the author believes that his book and his life are both about achieving a state of unity—an inner integrity that radiates out to touch every other meaningful relationship; “Obviously building a character of total integrity and living the life of love and service that creates such unity isn’t easy. It isn’t a quick fix. But it’s possible” (376).

Chapters 9-11 Analysis

This final segment splits into three separate directions in its treatment of the last two habits and the author’s parting thoughts on the overall project. Habit 6: Synergize, represents the culmination of the communication theme that began with Habit 4. It is less a skill to be learned than a culmination of all the skills that preceded it. Because the concept is so nebulous, the author uses the word “magic” to describe what synergy is. Essentially, if a person has mastered the mindset of Win/Win and learned how to communicate empathically, then all future communication will flow with ease in new and surprising directions. Synergetic communication allows the speaker and the audience to interact at a deeper, truer level of experience. This free flow acts as a stimulus for new ideas and problem-solving methods.

Synergy represents the last of the public victory habits since Part Four of the book is devoted to the concept of renewal. Sharpening the saw, Habit 7, is Covey’s way of advising the reader to renew themselves at regular intervals in order to live the most rewarding life. This habit harks back to the first three skills of independence much more than those of interdependence. Habit 7 should be regarded as a skill that supports the other six, but it doesn’t depend on an understanding of the rest to be mastered.

Similarly, the final chapter of the book doesn’t really relate to either Habit 6 or 7. It represents the author’s final thoughts on the subject of a life well-lived. He reviews the skills that are necessary for personal fulfillment and repeats his initial and most pivotal observation about the importance of changing the inner person first. Covey believes that all positive change will flow from that initial paradigm shift:

By centering our lives on correct principles and creating a balanced focus between doing and increasing our ability to do, we become empowered in the task of creating effective, useful, and peaceful lives…for ourselves, and for our posterity (376).