Stephen Covey
Stephen R. Covey (1932–2012)
Stephen R. Covey was an influential American author, educator, and motivational speaker, best known for his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, which has sold millions of copies worldwide and transformed the lives of individuals and organizations. Born on October 24, 1932, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Covey was a visionary thinker whose work in personal development, leadership, and effectiveness continues to have a lasting impact on the world.
Covey's academic background included a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Utah, an MBA from Harvard University, and a doctorate in religious education from Brigham Young University. His early career included teaching leadership and management at BYU, where he later became a professor. He also founded the Covey Leadership Center, which later became FranklinCovey, a global consulting firm focused on leadership development.
Covey’s groundbreaking work in personal effectiveness led to the publication of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People in 1989, a book that has become a classic in the field of self-help and business. The book outlines key principles for achieving long-term personal and professional success, emphasizing character development, proactive behavior, and the importance of aligning one's values with their goals. Covey's teachings were grounded in timeless principles of integrity, fairness, and justice, and he often drew from his own religious beliefs and experiences to inspire others.
Covey authored several other books, including First Things First, The 8th Habit, and The Speed of Trust, all of which further explore concepts of leadership, teamwork, and organizational effectiveness. Throughout his career, Covey was widely regarded for his wisdom, humility, and ability to inspire others to live lives of integrity and purpose.
Stephen Covey passed away on July 16, 2012, but his legacy lives on through his books, teachings, and the global impact of his leadership principles.