Stephen Covey 8 Characteristics of Principle Centered Leaders

STEPHEN COVEY
Principle-Centered Leaders

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day;
Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

Covey opens his book, Principle-Centered Leadership, with this traditional quote. The basis for much of Covey’s theory on leadership is that ineffective people try to manage their time around priorities, whereas effective people lead their lives and manage their relationships according to principles—natural laws governing values that are universally valid.

He outlines eight characteristics of Principle-Centered Leaders:

1. They are continually learning. Leaders are always curious, always trying to develop new skills.
2. They are service oriented. Life is a mission, not a career. Develop a sense of contribution and service.
3. They radiate positive energy. Their optimism becomes self-fulfilling.
4. They believe in other people. Create a climate for growth.
5. They lead balanced lives. They read, watch, observe and learn.
6. They see life as an adventure.
7. They are synergistic. Synergy is a state in which the whole is more than the sum of its parts. Leaders improve almost any situation they get into.
8. They exercise self-renewal. They work to develop the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. By exercising these aspects of their life, they develop a strong and healthy character, discipline and will.