Spring Break
Alumni Perspective - Stephen R. Covey (MBA '57)
Johny Wudel (NC), Contributing Writer
Issue date: 4/7/08 Section: Features
Covey's advice to current students is to make learning teams more efficient and effective by making strengths productive and weaknesses irrelevant. His advice to departing HBS students is to "not just rely on your Harvard degree, but rather strive to make significant contributions in your job and more importantly in your circle of influence."
He strongly advocates using a compass to guide your life and not a watch.
"You should build your life on principles which always point north - that are universal and timeless," Covey admonishes. "You should avoid anything that will in anyway compromise your integrity."
"If you work on the basis of principles that are universal and timeless so that you have an internal integrity, you can find that the space [between what happens to us and our response to that] is getting larger and larger. And as it gets larger it gives you tremendous courage. It also gives you great peace of conscience. And you can begin to make great contributions."
Covey holds a BS from the University of Utah, a doctorate degree from Brigham Young University, an MBA from HBS, and has been awarded 10 honorary doctorate degrees. His newest book, The 8th Habit of Highly Effective People, was released in 2004 and has risen to the top of numerous bestseller lists.
Through all his business and personal success, Covey has learned that no matter your circumstances, you can find happiness if you are optimistic and hopeful. "Live life in a crescendo and realize that the most important work you'll ever do is always ahead of you."
He strongly advocates using a compass to guide your life and not a watch.
"You should build your life on principles which always point north - that are universal and timeless," Covey admonishes. "You should avoid anything that will in anyway compromise your integrity."
"If you work on the basis of principles that are universal and timeless so that you have an internal integrity, you can find that the space [between what happens to us and our response to that] is getting larger and larger. And as it gets larger it gives you tremendous courage. It also gives you great peace of conscience. And you can begin to make great contributions."
Covey holds a BS from the University of Utah, a doctorate degree from Brigham Young University, an MBA from HBS, and has been awarded 10 honorary doctorate degrees. His newest book, The 8th Habit of Highly Effective People, was released in 2004 and has risen to the top of numerous bestseller lists.
Through all his business and personal success, Covey has learned that no matter your circumstances, you can find happiness if you are optimistic and hopeful. "Live life in a crescendo and realize that the most important work you'll ever do is always ahead of you."
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