Over the years, author Stephen R. Covey has inspired countless people. He’s perhaps best known for his book, “The 7 Habits of Highly-Effective People,” but he’s also written a number of other books, including “Principle-Centered Leadership.” In “Principle-Centered Leadership,” Covey avoids the platitudes and feel-good slogans that you often find in self-help books. Instead, he provides readers with clear and insightful instruction on how to improve the quality of their lives and businesses.
In “Principle-Centered Leadership,” Covey argues that people can run into personal and professional problems when they try to use manipulative strategies or techniques to get what they want. In addition, he says that “quick fixes” and short-terms solutions are often ineffective and detrimental.
Covey claims that the only way to be truly successful is to embrace certain basic principles, and act according to those principles. These principles include such things as equity, integrity, honesty, fairness, and trust. According to Covey, if you let yourself be guided by these principles, it’s easier to reach the right decisions. It’s easier to communicate with others, and for people to understand and trust what you’re saying. He writes, “Correct principles are like compasses: they are always pointing the way. And if we know how to read them, we won’t get lost, confused, or fooled by conflicting voices and values.”
In the workplace, it’s not enough to have certain established practices. Practices simply indicate “what” people need to do. They don’t indicate “why” people need to do it. This is where principles come into play. Principles explain why those practices are necessary and important. And because the core principles don’t change, they are like bedrock. When an organization is based on principles, even in times of change and uncertainty, employees can maintain their sense of safety, security, and perspective.
If you’d like to learn more about Covey’s theories, please review his book. If you’re a Johns Hopkins employee, you can access the book online for free. Simply click this link, enter your JHED ID and password, and then search for “Principle-Centered Leadership.” Read what he has to say, and see if you agree with his views! It’s possible that Covey’s theories and suggestions could help you to improve the quality of your relationships and the strength of your organization.
Covey, S. R. (1992). Principle-Centered Leadership. New York, NY: Fireside Press.
