The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Quiz

Answer: Desire

Covey, born in 1932, earned a Harvard MBA and quickly became a prolific author of business-related books. He claimed to have taken over a decade to compile the information to put together "7 Habits". Covey's simple yet powerful definition of habits sets the scene for the book: setting out the how (skills), why (knowledge) and want (desire).

Answer: Interdependence

Interdependence is, according to Covey, a much higher state than independence, because it takes into account many more factors and allows higher-level thinking. He also notes that one has to achieve independence before achieving interdependence; a dependent person can't move straight to the interdependent level.

Answer: Proactive

Being proactive includes knowing about your 'circle of influence', that is, things you can (and can't) control in your life. It's also about using strategies to expand your circle of influence so that you can take more control over what happens around you.

Answer: End

"Begin with the end in mind" is one of the core habits, according to Covey. It's about deciding what you truly value in life and making decisions with that always at the centre. Sounds obvious, but as Covey points out, it's amazing how infrequently people actually use this in day-to-day decision-making.

Answer: False

In fact, learning how to say "no" is one of the fundamental strategies of habit three. The idea of "putting first things first" is the next logical follow-on from habit one (being proactive). Covey notes the importance of deciding what you should be doing on a regular basis, but aren't allowing yourself to do because of all the other (low priority) things that get in your way.

Answer: Win-Win

"Thinking win-win" is habit four; and while it's the obvious strategy to produce a mutually beneficial outcome in all dealings, Covey notes how often people go into negotiations with other ideas. For example, seeking only a win for oneself limits your ability to see the perspective of the other person and limits the potential for a 'higher-level' outcome.

Answer: Seek first to understand, then to be understood

Covey describes some practical ways of improving relationships with people you struggle to deal with. This includes preparing for a discussion with them by writing down what you think their perspective is on something, and then checking those assumptions after the discussion.

Answer: Synergize

'Synergy' is a well-known concept in the business world, describing the ability to get things done more effectively as a team than as a group of individuals. Covey gives several examples of synergistic thinking, including the process of writing a mission statement. He notes from his experience that thinking in this way can be incredibly creative and motivating.

Answer: Sharpen the saw

"Sharpening the saw" comes down to looking after yourself so that you can take a balanced and fresh approach to work (and life in general). This advice is very much in line with other management studies that show the need for a balanced life outside the workplace to maintain energy and enthusiasm.

Answer: True

Covey concludes the book by noting that nobody is perfect, but that striving for improvement is part of what he enjoys in life. He goes on to note his personal view that God plays a strong role in allowing people to achieve greatness. Covey went on to produce a sequel to "7 Habits" in 2004, describing an eighth habit which he said will take people from effectiveness to greatness. Covey died in 2012 from complications after a bike accident, but his legacy lives on through these impressive books.