The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness by Stephen R. Covey (1932–2012) is a compelling sequel to his landmark work, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. In this book, Covey delves deeper into the challenges and opportunities that face individuals and organizations in the 21st century. He introduces The 8th Habit as “Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs,” which builds upon the foundation of the first seven habits to address the need for further greatness and fulfillment in both personal and professional life.
Covey argues that finding your voice—discovering your unique personal significance and the passion to contribute at the highest levels—is the key to achieving true greatness. He emphasizes that in an increasingly complex and demanding world, simply being effective is not enough. The book is structured to guide readers in achieving their highest potential and to help others do the same, thereby building an enduring legacy of inspiration and contribution.
The 8th Habit is rich in concepts and practical applications, blending Covey’s deep insights into leadership, personal development, and human potential. It expands on the holistic view presented in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, emphasizing not just effectiveness but the fulfillment that comes from making a difference. Covey’s writing is both profound and accessible, filled with anecdotes, research, and real-world examples that illustrate how The 8th Habit can be lived out in various aspects of life.
However, some readers may find the book to be somewhat repetitive of Covey’s earlier work, and the core concept of The 8th Habit might seem abstract to some. Despite this, Covey’s persuasive arguments and the actionable steps he provides make The 8th Habit a valuable read for those looking to elevate their lives and impact the world positively.
Notable quotes:
“The 8th Habit is not about adding one more habit to the 7—one that somehow got overlooked. It’s about seeing and harnessing the power of a third dimension to The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People that meets the central challenge of the new Knowledge Worker Age.”
“Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs.”
“Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves.”
“The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be.”
“There are three constants in life… change, choice and principles.”
The 8th Habit challenges and inspires readers to find their unique voice and to use that discovery to propel themselves from effectiveness to true greatness, making it a worthy continuation of Covey’s impactful work.
Stephen R. Covey, The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness, New York: The Free Press, 2004.
